NCJ Number
222081
Date Published
2007
Length
155 pages
Annotation
Utilizing a combination of theoretical analysis and empirical research (four surveys), this book examines the development of the practical and theoretical concepts of restorative justice (RJ), with the intent is to acquire a thorough understanding of RJ’s practical development and how this relates to the wider RJ movement, without a focus on any particular criminal justice system.
Abstract
Factors such as inconsistency in its application, power-interest battles within the restorative justice (RJ) movement and lack of State and legislative support created many fears of a discrepancy between the way the RJ theory and practice developed. This book looks into this gap to understand its implications for practice and RJ’s future development. The conclusions and recommendations are intended to benefit the wider restorative movement. Divided into four parts, part 1 constructs the conceptual framework for the research and translates its underlying hypothesis in practical terms. By arguing and analyzing the literature, themes are prepared for the fieldwork. Part 2 presents and analyzes the results from the first two surveys which measured the gap between the restorative justice theory and practice. The first was carried out with qualitative questionnaires with 40 practitioners from around the world and the second with in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 13 organizations that play a significant role in RJs development in England and Wales. Part 3 presents and analyzes the findings of two more surveys that focused on the application of RJ with hate crime and sexual offending cases. For the former, 22 organizations that have direct experience with RJ and hate crime were interviewed face-to-face. For the latter, a combination of various qualitative methodologies was adopted with an international sample that had experienced the value and dangers of using RJ for sexual offenses. The final part of the book draws all the evidence together to identify links with the study’s underlying hypothesis and provide an answer to the central research question. An evidence base was then created for recommendations of international policy and intellectual significance. The findings and recommendations are hoped to provide the restorative justice movement with enough evidence for an appropriate action plan to bring practice in line with the original RJ values. Appendixes I-V and references