Overview

The legitimacy and performance of the traditional criminal justice system is the subject of intense scrutiny as the world economic crisis continues to put pressure on governments to cut the costs of the criminal justice system. This volume brings together the leading work on restorative justice to achieve two objectives: to construct a comprehensive and up-to-date conceptual framework for restorative justice suitable even for newcomers; and to challenge the barriers of restorative justice in the hope of taking its theory and practice a step further. The selected articles start by answering some fundamental questions about restorative justice regarding its historical and philosophical origins, and challenge the concept by bringing into the debate the human rights and equality discourses. Also included is material based on empirical testing of restorative justice claims especially those impacting on reoffending rates, victim satisfaction and reintegration. The volume concludes with a critique of restorative justice as well as with analytical thinking that aims to push its barriers. It is hoped that the investigations offered by this volume not only offer hope for a better system for abolitionists and reformists, but also new and convincing evidence to persuade the sceptics in the debate over restorative justice.

Full Product Details

9780754670322

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Margarita Zernova has weighed an English restorative justice programme in the balance of restorative justice aspirations and found it wanting. Rather than focusing on programme shortcomings, she argues that these disparities raise questions about the ideals themselves. Her conclusions add a new dimension to the continuing debate about this important social movement.' Daniel W. Van Ness, Centre for Justice and Reconciliation at Prison Fellowship International, UK 'This book asks some searching questions of restorative justice practice - and of the extent to which restorative justice ideals can be achieved. Very readable, and drawing upon original research on youth conferencing, it spotlights restorative values and examines the tensions between them and the ways they are adapted by professionals. ' Joanna Shapland, University of Sheffield, UK

Author Information

Margarita Zernova, Department of Social Sciences, University of Hull, UK

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