San Diego State University Meeting with A Killer Documentary Discussion

The purpose of this course is not simply to accumulate knowledge associated with the concepts

of justice and how these apply/affect communities. The primary purpose is to develop a new lens

through which to view established and frequently accepted systems of justice, determine the
values and assumptions they are predicated on and their potential effectiveness. This new lens
also provides a means to assess whether systems reflect one’s own values and assumptions.
Criminal Justice is a prevalent topic in popular media (television, film, literature etc.). For the
purpose of this assignment, watch “Meeting with a Killer.”

1) “Meeting with a Killer” – YouTube – family goes through victim offender dialogue process

You are to watch “Meeting with a Killer” and write a review/critique of the documentary through a
restorative community-based lens. Your critique must address the following:

1. What are the assumptions and values you identify that relate to victims, offenders,
communities, trauma, shame, etc.?
2. What restorative assumptions and values are missing?
3. Do you believe that this portrayal of the system has an impact on viewers’ faith in the system
and their perception of its effectiveness?  If so, describe the impact and comment on whether it
contributes to a positive, negative or neutral influence on the general public’s perception of the
criminal justice system and its effectiveness.  If not, provide rationale for why you believe the
portrayal of the system does not influence an individual’s perceptions

When writing this paper understand the concepts of the movie and how it applies to you. When you are responding to the questions above they should be ANSWERED PRIMARILY BASED ON YOUR OPINION and how restorative practices and retribution was seen throughout the film and what you thought was missing. If you were a facilitator what would you have done or changed? What are your thoughts about the film?

***The professor does not want definitions of restorative practices or retribution

This part of the assignment is to be 5 pages in length (not including references & cover page),
double spaced, Times New Roman 12 font. Please include the documentary title in your cover
page. Grading will be according to how well the paper:
 Draws on specific details from the documentary

 Correctly identifies and describes underlying assumptions and values

 Clearly critiques the movie from the perspective of a restorative world view.

 Draws a logical connection from watching the documentary to its potential impact on a

viewer’s perception of justice.