Source: (2007) In Robert Mackay, Marko Bosnjak, Johann Deklerck, Christa Pelikan, Bas van Stokkom, and Martin Wright, ed., Images of Restorative Justice Theory. Frankfurt, Germany: Verlag fur Polizeiwissenschaft. Pp. 225-233.
“The short contribution of Brian Williams has been included here as a tribute to a scientist, a colleague and a friend whose life ended prematurely in a tragic accident. It presents a discussion of what is regarded a core element of restorative processes -the role of empathy. Williams asks whether empathy towards victims does, infact, influcence offenders’ future behaviour? The relationship between empathy, remorse and forgiveness is discussed, making reference to Braithwait’s theoretical work….He suggests that there is a continuum between intellectualising about others’ feelings, responding compassionately to them and actively communicating with them. And he concludes that practitioner involvement int he design of future research ont his topic should help to avoid further confusion.” (editor’s abstract)
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