NCJ Number
183524
Date Published
1998
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper builds on several previous papers on restorative justice written by the author, the author's research on conferencing practices in Australia during 1995-1996, and research on restorative justice in South Australia.
Abstract
The problem in talking about restorative justice is that it is a "large" concept with many referents. For example, it can refer to an alternative dispute resolution process, alternative sanctions, or criminal justice organized around principles of restoration to victims and communities. In Australia and New Zealand, restorative justice is tied to practices variously termed diversionary conferences, family group conferences, and juvenile justice teams. Although restorative justice means many things, it emphasizes the repair of harm and ruptured social bonds resulting from crime and other types of conflict. Various conceptions of restorative justice are examined from a historical perspective and in terms of contrasts between retributive and restorative justice. 47 references and 13 footnotes