Character Relationships
Who is Maria Probert to Ian Probert?
Maria is Ian's Mother
Does Ian struggle with substance abuse? What substances?
Ian uses alcohol and marijuana.
In a restorative justice approach, is Ian involved in the process?
Yes, in a restorative justice approach the offender and the victim are both involved. As well as any support facilitators and the community.
Does the traditional system have public confidence?
What is a benefit that an offender has in the traditional system?
Name one of:
- Clear consequences.
- Deterrence.
- Right to a fair trial.
- Formal process.
What is the co-accused's relationship to Ian?
The co-accused is Ian's best friend.
Was Ian intoxicated when he committed the crime?
Yes, Ian was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana.
What is the first step of the restorative justice approach?
Facilitated meeting.
What is one possible outcome for Ian with the traditional system?
1. Probation: with conditions such as community service, curfew or drug testing.
2. Fines (maybe not due to his age and financial status).
3. Youth detention: if deemed a repeat risk but unlikely for a first offense.
3. Criminal record: which will affect future employment.
What is one possible negative that the justice system faces in traditional sentencing?
Overburdened court system
Overcrowded prisons
Cost of Incarceration (In 2025, cost an average of $126,000 per year in Canada).
How is Ray Wesbrook Related to Ian Probert?
Ray is Ian's stepfather.
What are Ian's mental health struggles?
Untreated ADHD OR possible emotional issues.
What is the final step in a restorative justice approach?
Follow-up.
In the traditional justice system, what is the role of the victim?
What is a major plus that victims receive from a restorative justice system of sentencing rather than the traditional sentencing?
Name one of:
- Emotional closure.
- A greater focus on the victim than the offender. This allows the victim to feel that they have a voice.
- An opportunity to understand why the offender did what they did.
Who were the victims in this case?
The victims were neighbours that Ian did not know.
How old is Ian? What grade is Ian in on the date of the offence?
Ian is 17 years old and is in ninth grade.
What does a support plan entail?
Counselling, mentorship, or substance use support.
In the traditional system, what is one thing that the victim and the offender may have in common?
- They may both experience a lack of voice in determining an appropriate sentence.
- They may also feel that there was no chance to grow/rehabilitate and understand one-another.
What are two downsides to restorative justice within the community?
Perceived leniency.
Lack of awareness and understanding in the particular case.
Who does Ian live with? Why?
Ian lives with his mother and stepfather because his mother disapproves of his fathers behaviour.
Why is there family conflict in Ian's case?
Ian does not like his mother's partner OR tensions between his parents.
Why is restorative justice highly effective for higher risk offenders?
It's not!
What are two things that the traditional justice system will do in sentencing?
Determining guilt
Assign blame and impose punishment.
List two reasons that the restorative justice method is more rehabilitative for the offender.
Opportunity for Accountability and Reflection
Reduction of Recidivism