Source: (1999) Reprinted from the Journal of Law and Religion 14 (1): 211-228.
Cochran points out that, while alternative dispute resolution is now common in civil litigation, it is virtually unheard of in criminal justice cases, despite the recognized problems with the current criminal justice system. In this context Cochran introduces the potential of restorative justice to transform the treatment of criminal cases. With this in mind, he examines the question whether the criminal defense attorney will serve more as a bridge or a roadblock to restorative justice processes and outcomes. Specifically he deals with the following: helping clients take responsibility for their actions; confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation; and lawyer/client discussions of restorative justice.
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