Restorative Jurisprudence and Urban Demobilization: A Case Study of Localized Arbitration Councils in Colombia

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 7, No. 6, June 2016 | pp. 604–612

DOI: 10.46882/2016/GJPCS/000089

Article Type: Case Study

Title: Restorative Jurisprudence and Urban Demobilization: A Case Study of Localized Arbitration Councils in Colombia

Names of Authors: Juan Carlos Restrepo¹, Sophia Miller²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Rural Development, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; ²Department of International Development, London School of Economics, London, United Kingdom

Abstract: Abstract: The execution of large-scale national disarmament compacts frequently produces complex operational challenges when applied to decentralized urban militia factions operating within marginalized neighborhood sectors. This case study evaluates the restorative and retributive mechanics of neighborhood-level localized arbitration councils tasked with facilitating ex-combatant integration across three metropolitan peripheries. Field research combined direct observations of arbitration council sessions, localized recidivism registries, and structured surveys with 450 neighborhood residents. The collected data confirm that community-led restorative mechanisms successfully handled less severe offenses, bypassing logistically crippled state courts. Restorative metrics showed high rates of structured community service execution and localized truth-telling among former combatants. Local survey tracking indicates that 72% of village residents valued the spiritual healing of customary processes, though anxieties regarding official national compensation registries persist. This research concludes that transitional justice models must systematically link customary mechanisms with state-level prosecutions to ensure comprehensive stability.

Keywords: Restorative Jurisprudence, Urban Demobilization, Localized Arbitration, Colombia, Militia Reintegration, Revenge Violence Prevention

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 15, 2016; Revised: March 22, 2016; Accepted: April 18, 2016; Published: June 08, 2016

Citation: Restrepo, J. C., & Miller, S. (2016). Restorative Jurisprudence and Urban Demobilization: A Case Study of Localized Arbitration Councils in Colombia. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 7(6), 604–612. DOI: 10.46882/2016/GJPCS/000089

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