NCJ Number
213311
Journal
Theoretical Criminology Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2006 Pages: 9-28
Date Published
February 2006
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes five areas of theory, research, and politics as they relate to feminist engagement with restorative justice (RJ).
Abstract
A wide range of theoretical, political, and empirical problems for future feminist engagement with restorative justice (RJ) are identified, going beyond the already developed area of the appropriateness of RJ for partner, sexual, or family violence. More attention is needed on the ideal justice principles and in determining whether RJ measures up to those principles. Examples include a greater reflection on the roles of retribution and punishment and RJ, as well as mainstream criminal justice and the potential for RJ across a wider range of offenses and in the handling of broader forms of community conflict. Feminist engagement with alternative justice predates the emergence of RJ, with RJ not occurring until the 1990s. Feminist engagement with the idea of RJ is recent and evolving and takes several forms. This article maps five of these areas: theories of justice, the role of retribution in criminal justice; studies of gender in RJ processes; the appropriateness of RJ for partner, sexual or family violence; and the politics of race and gender in making justice claims. Each of these areas has a particular set of concerns and a different kind of engagement with RJ. References