Source: (2003) In, Andrew von Hirsch, et. al., eds., Restorative Justice and Criminal Justice: Competing or Reconcilable Paradigms? Oxford and Portland, Orgeon: Hart Publishing. Pp. 315-338.
Mara Schiff begins her chapter with this summary of restorative justice: it is a philosophy for reforming criminal and juvenile justice intervention strategies based on principles of repairing harm, involving key stakeholders, and creating community/government partnerships in the justice process. Nevertheless, in most parts of the world, restorative justice has been applied as a series of ad hoc program initiatives rather than as a systemic approach to justice intervention. Schiff’s purpose in this chapter is threefold. One, she describes the most common restorative models; where they are located; how they are implemented; and what evidence there is, if any, of their effectiveness. Two, she examines some of the key obstacles to effective implementation and to the collection of reliable research data on those processes. Third, she considers what promise, if any, restorative processes hold for the future.
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