Source: (2006) Journal of Social Issues (special issue 62(2)).
Restorative justice has been conceived in the literature in two broadways. One
is a process conception; the other is a values conception. The process conception
is characterized by a process that brings together all parties affected by harm or
wrongdoing (e.g., offenders, and their families, victims, and their families, other
members of the community, and professionals). These parties meet, often in a
circle, to discuss what happened, how they were affected and come to some agreement
as to what should be done to right any wrongs suffered. The values conception
is characterized by a set of values, or principles, that distinguish restorative justice
from traditional punitive state justice. The former values healing and restoration of
all affected, the latter values accountability to the state through punishment. This
volume examines restorative justice in the context of its contribution to advancing
civil society through the lens of institutions that are intermediate between the
individual and the state. (excerpt)
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