Restorative Justice in Practice : Evaluating What Works for Victims and Offenders

This book analyzes the practicalities of setting up and running restorative justice schemes, the costs involved and the key professional and ethical issues involved such as victims' and offenders' needs and expectations, community and desistance.

`This seven-year study is the most important research evidence on restorative justice (RJ) in this country. The work has challenged some of the myths around restorative justice; confirmed earlier findings of the strong victim benefits from restorative justice; and provided new evidence for the impact of RJ in reducing re-offending, leading to cost-savings across Criminal Justice. This book will provide essential reading for policy-makers interested in evidence-based policy; for criminal justice agencies seeking to give victims a stronger voice in justice; and includes a wealth of information for practitioners who want to know "what works" and base their restorative practice on the evidence.'' Lizzie Nelson, Director, Restorative Justice Council

Restorative justice has made significant progress in recent years and now plays an increasingly important role in and alongside the criminal justice systems of a number of countries in different parts of the world. In many cases, however, successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses have not been evaluated sufficiently systematically and comprehensively.

Restorative justice in Practice addresses this need, analysing the results of the implementation of three restorative justice schemes in England and Wales in the largest and most complete trial of restorative justice with adult offenders worldwide.

Restorative Justice in Practice will be essential reading for both students and practitioners, and a key contribution to the restorative justice debate.