Source: (2005) The Prison Journal. 85(2):127-144.
This article provides an empirical synthesis of the existing literature on the effectiveness
of restorative justice practices using meta-analytic techniques. The data were
aggregated from studies that compared restorative justice programs to traditional
nonrestorative approaches to criminal behavior. Victim and offender satisfaction,
restitution compliance, and recidivism were selected as appropriate outcomes to adequately
measure effectiveness. Although restorative programs were found to be significantly
more effective, these positive findings are tempered by an important self-selection
bias inherent in restorative justice research. A possible method of addressing this
problem, as well as directions for future research, are provided.
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