Quote 1
"Scars run deep." Garvey stared intently at Cole's father, who sat unflinching. "I do know this: Cole isn't the only problem here tonight. He is only a symptom of a family and a community that has somehow broken down. If we can't find solutions, we all fail, we all share the guilt, and we all pay a terrible price." (6.15)
Even though Garvey always tells Cole not to wallow in self-pity or blame everyone else for his problems, he wants him to understand that he does see how Cole's father is responsible. He isn't turning a blind eye to the abuse Cole has experienced.
Quote 2
"We still believe in you and think there's hope," Garvey said. "Because of that, we've stuck our necks out so far, we feel like two giraffes. last night we convinced the Circle to release you to our custody." (15.59)
Even after Cole blows his first chance at being on the island, Edwin and Garvey still believe in him. Everyone else wants him to go straight to jail, but Edwin and Garvey are willing to give him another chance.
Quote 3
Garvey pointed toward the shore. "Pay me back by not giving up on Peter."
Cole looked out the window and saw that Peter was still sitting on the shore, but the Snickers bar was gone. Cole smiled. "I won't give up on him." (26.47-48)
After everything that's happened between Cole and Peter, it's going to be a long road to making amends and coming to any sort of understanding, especially since Peter refuses to speak to or look at Cole. But Cole is willing to work hard to gain the other kid's forgiveness.
Quote 4
Garvey shook his head. "Banishment isn't a sentence. It's simply a time for Cole to walk his talk. We tell him to give more than lip service to the idea of change, but what chance does he have to prove anything if he's locked up?" (6.63)
The idea of Circle Justice is that they're not just going to punish Cole and lock him up. Instead, they're more interested in reforming him, making him a better person who's less likely to commit crime in the future.
Quote 5
"If you kill my cat, normally the police fine you and that's it. We still hate each other, I still feel bad about my cat, and you're angry because you have to pay a fine. In Circle Justice, you sign a healing contract. You might agree to help me pick out a new kitten and care for it as part of the sentencing." (1.39)
Garvey tries to explain to Cole why Circle Justice is more focused on healing and change than the normal criminal justice system, but Cole still doesn't understand how it's supposed to work. He doesn't actually believe something like this can change him.
Quote 6
"Now you'll end up in a hospital. When you're released, you'll still have your parents to deal with and you'll still be facing a jail term. I doubt the Hearing Circle will consider returning you to the island after what's happened. You realize all that, don't you?"
Cole nodded. "I do, but it's okay. Whatever happens now, I'm done being mad." (13.70-71)
It's only when Cole accepts responsibility and resigns himself to going to prison that Garvey realizes he's ready for a second chance on the island. This time, maybe he'll take it seriously and actually learn a thing or two.
Quote 7
"Your mother is doing great and sends her love. Your father has filed a lawsuit to have the abuse charges against him dropped. He's also filed for your custody."
"You mean he wants to take me away from my mom?"
"I think it's a matter of pride. He thinks he can always get his way and doesn't want anyone or anything to win out over him." (26.39-41)
Cole's dad wants custody of him, but that doesn't mean he loves or wants his son around. Even Garvey recognizes this for what it is—a power play—and he's not going to let Cole go back to that abusive household.
Quote 8
"It's not about supper," said Garvey. "It's about the chip on your shoulder. You still think life is a free ride. You're still blaming the world for everything and looking for the easiest way to get by. It's only been two days, and already you've got your attitude back." (19.17)
Garvey sees right through all of Cole's lies and deception. He knows that Cole's attitude means he hasn't changed and still blames everyone else for his problems instead of accepting responsibility.