“Restorative justice and the common good: Creating a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation.”

Source: (2000) Blueprint for Social Justice 53 (April).

Cavanagh explores the relationship between restorative justice and the common good. His argument is that true morality in society requires a focus on the common good, not merely on tolerance. Only pursuit of the common good makes it possible to address moral issues such as economic deprivation, unemployment, and drug/alcohol related violence. Peace is at the center of the common good, and forgiveness and reconciliation are at the root of peace. The values and practices of restorative justice (taking responsibility, forgiveness, reconciliation) are means to achieve peace through the healing of relationships in communities.