Reparation Orders for Young Offenders: Coerced Apologies?

Source: (2001) Relational Justice Bulletin. January (9): 8. Downloaded 15 May 2003.

In England the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 introduced reparation orders into the criminal justice system. However, notes Brian Williams, while victim-offender policies in other countries usually involved the voluntary use of reparation, the government made its new reparation order compulsory, at least for offenders. He maintains that, in relational terms, this is a major departure that raises a number questions. In view of all of this, and with respect to young offenders in particular, Williams examines what the compulsory aspect of reparation means for apologies and community service as parts of reparation orders.