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Alternative Visions in the Context of Contemporary Realities

Harris, M. K
June 4, 2015

Source: (1989) In: P. Arthur (ed.), Justice: The Restorative Vision. New Perspectives on Crime and Justice (Issue #7). Akron, PA: Mennonite Central Committee Office of Criminal Justice, pp. 31-40.

This article challenges the soundness of restorative justice strategy proposals in “Pursuing a Restorative Vision of Justice” because they focus on individual-level remedies and fail to address social-level remedies. Giving victims a formal role in the criminal justice system does not necessarily guarantee outcomes more favorable to victims and communities. Additionally, proponents of restorative justice fail to make clear how the new system would deal with dangerous offenders. The author quotes five ethical guidelines proposed by Gloria Steinem and offers them as a way to clarify the discussion of the goals and strategies of restorative justice.

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