This chapter provides the relevant background on conflict and recognized transitional justice mechanisms in Sierra Leone. It explores individual and communal experiences of peace, conflict and justice during the civil conflict and in the post-conflict era. The first half illustrates the diversity of war-related experiences and highlights the creative ways people managed their everyday challenges in conflict. The second half discusses recognized transitional justice mechanisms, including the DDR program, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and reparations program. It explores how institutions understand local ownership and contrasts this with Sierra Leonean perceptions and the (intended and unintended) ways in which they engaged with these mechanisms. This chapter provides broader insights into how people navigate their circumstances in conflict and post-conflict societies and the various ways in which recognized transitional justice mechanisms can be interpreted and engaged with in diverse ways and at different points in time.