Restorative Justice in the 21st Century: A Social Movement Full of Opportunities and Pitfalls

Source: (2005) VOMA Connections. Fall(21): 1, 14-16.

The restorative justice movement is grounded in values that promote both accountability and healing for all affected by crime. It emphasizes positive human development, mutuality, empathy, responsibility, respect, and fairness. Yet the principles and practices of the restorative justice movement are not inherently benign, incapable of doing harm. In fact, as in so many
other movements and interventions grounded in lofty values and good intentions, reports of unintentionally
harmful consequences or outcomes surface periodically.(extract)