The Peacemaking Circle is a primary practice of Restorative Justice. Peacemaking circles are inspired by Native American talking circles. They structure a way for people to engage in conversation that allows each person an equal opportunity to speak without fear of interruption, and to listen without feeling pressure to respond.

The form and the process create a safe, non-hierarchical environment for sharing ideas, perceptions, and feelings. Participants are encouraged and enabled to tell their personal stories. The circle is an egalitarian form, with all points in the circle being in equal relation to the center. No member of the circle is more or less valued than any other member. All members of the circle have the opportunity to let their voice be heard.

Expectations are clarified and agreed upon by all participants. Values of the peacemaking circle include respect, honesty, and patience. When everyone individually voices agreement to the guidelines a covenant group is formed.

Once a topic for conversation has been identified by the Circlekeeper, a Talking Piece facilitates the circle process. This is an object that is passed from one person to another to indicate whose turn it is to speak. Only the person holding the talking piece speaks; all others listen. A person may choose to hold the talking piece in silence, or to pass it on to the next person without speaking.

The flow of a peacemaking circle is also clearly structured with well-defined opening and closing segments. These may combine a regular ritual or ceremony with more varied activities.