Criminal Justice Reform Advocate To Speak At Westfield Library

WESTFIELD, NJ — Judge Victoria Pratt, an internationally recognized leader in criminal justice reform, is scheduled to speak at Westfield Memorial Library in honor of Black History Month.

The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. Pratt will also be selling and signing copies of her 2022 book "The Power of Dignity: How Transforming Justice Can Heal Our Communities."

This is one of several events at the library throughout February in honor of Black History Month.

Pratt has been described as a "pioneer in procedural justice for transforming the court system using the power of dignity and respect."

While presiding over court, she used procedural justice and innovative problem solving to provide alternative sentences to low-level offenders, including community service, counseling sessions, and her signature assignment of introspective essays, according to a press release about the event.

"Her respectful approach has had a transformational impact on court participants, the community, and court practitioners," the release states.

Pratt has been featured in media outlets such as The Guardian, Forbes, and PBS, to name a few.

Her highly viewed TED Talk, "How Judges Can Show Respect," has been listed as one of the Top 15 Most Viral Motivational Talks on Facebook, with over 37 million views.

"Judge Pratt's work leading criminal justice reform through empathy and respect is powerful," says Library Director Allen McGinley. "And I think the impact of this approach can reach far beyond the criminal justice system. I am delighted to welcome Judge Pratt to share her inspirational story with our community."

This event is part of the "Sharing Our Stories series," sponsored by the Town of Westfield’s Human Relations Advisory Commission (HRAC) and Westfield Memorial Library.

The mission of HRAC is to provide an egalitarian, welcoming, inclusive, safe and productive community for the residents, local businesses and visitors of of Westfield.

Those who are interested to attend may register here: https://events.wmlnj.org/event/10221063.

The library is located at 550 East Broad Street in Westfield.