In the Hands of the Public?

Source: (2002) Relational Justice Bulletin. Issue 13: 6-8. Downloaded 14 May 2003.

As noted at the beginning of this article, the United Kingdom has seen a radical transformation in relations between the public and the state with regard to criminal justice policy and practice in recent decades. In particular, this has involved a growing recognition of the limitations of the state in guaranteeing public order. In this context, and from the perspective of relational justice, Adam Crawford explores the scope for public participation in criminal justice, especially in an age of ‘punitive populism.’ He draws out both the potential and the peril in greater public involvement in seeking to prevent crime and in responding to crime when it occurs.