The Case for Best Practice Standards in Restorative Justice Processes.

Source: (2008) American Journal of Trial Advocacy. 31(3):501-530.

Although in its relative infancy, the modern restorative justice movement has enjoyed rapid and widespread growth both in the United States and internationally. Its growing popularity as a viable alternative to traditional criminal justice systems has afforded victims, offenders and affected communities with meaningful alternatives to the manner in which societies have historically dealt with criminal behaviour and its consequences. In spite of its well-documented benefits, there are a number of potential hazards associated with the rapid growth of restorative modalities in the absence of universal standards of practice. (author’s abstract).