Abstract
This chapter explores recent developments in restorative justice theory, research, and practice. It examines reasons why it has been challenging to define restorative justice and offers a comprehensive definition that articulates the relationship between values, processes, and outcomes. It then explores the main theoretical traditions that account for the claims of restorative justice: shame theories, procedural justice theories, and ritual theories. Following this, it reviews the empirical evidence on how offenders and victims experience restorative justice compared to court, and whether it can reduce reoffending. This chapter also discusses contemporary debates around restorative justice and punishment. It concludes by offering an assessment of the future of restorative justice.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Oxford Handbook of Criminology (6th edn) |
| Editors | Alison Liebling, Shadd Maruna & Lesley McAra |
| Place of Publication | Oxford |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Pages | 967-989 |
| Volume | 1 |
| Edition | 6th |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780198719441 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |