ABSTRACT
Formal discipline policy and procedures are designed to deliver "justice" to wrongdoers, that is, to sanction rule breaking behaviour by way of consequences which usually involve punishment. When student explores the nature of the questions in the script, they can see that people are invited to share their stories and experiences in a way which allows the expression of emotion, often strong. The conference is designed to transform these emotions. Since the conference is the forum in which people are afforded relief from very strong, often toxic emotions, it is important that we allow the expression of these. The other predominant emotion that often occurs in conferences is distress, usually in the form of tears. Conferences invite, engage and manage strong emotion with the intention of repairing the harm and reintegrating participants. Where mediation aims for a "win/win" outcome, conferences aim for a range of social, emotional and behavioural outcomes for the whole community affected by the incident.
