Is Restorative Justice Taking Too Few, or Too Many Risks?

Source: (2004) In, Howard Zehr and Barb Toews, eds., Critical Issues in Restorative Justice. Monsey, New York and Cullompton, Devon, UK: Criminal Justice Press and Willan Publishing. Pp. 299-309.

The question as to whether restorative justice is taking too few or too many risks is complex and not easily answered. In a sense, remarks David Gustafson, the answer is ‘yes’ to both– it is both taking too few and too many risks. Research on restorative justice and practical experience of restorative justice providers indicate many successful processes and outcomes. At that same time, research and practical experience reveal problems and failures as well. In this framework, Gustafson discusses ‘risk-taking’ in restorative justice in relation to competency of practitioners, types of offenses being handled in restorative justice programs, and the immense needs for restorative responses to crime and those affected by crime.