Handbook of Restorative Justice
By: Gerry Johnstone, Daniel W. Van Ness
About This Book
Discusses the key concepts and principles of restorative justice; explains how the campaign for restorative justice arose and developed into an influential social movement; describes the variety of restorative justice practices; and identifies and examines key issues within the restorative justice movement.
AI Overview
The "Handbook of Restorative Justice" by Gerry Johnstone and Daniel W. Van Ness is a comprehensive and authoritative account of restorative justice, one of the most rapidly growing phenomena in the field of criminology and justice studies. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Comprehensive Overview: The book provides a reliable and accessible overview of restorative justice, drawing together leading authorities from around the world to elucidate and discuss key concepts and principles.
Historical Development: It explains how the campaign for restorative justice arose and developed into the influential global social movement it is today.
Variety of Practices: The handbook describes the variety of restorative justice practices, explains how they have developed in various places and contexts, and critically examines their rationales and effects.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives: The book brings a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives to bear upon the understanding and assessment of restorative justice, making it essential reading for students and practitioners in the field.
Critical Examination: It critically examines key tensions and issues within the restorative justice movement, including issues of gender and race, and discusses the integration of restorative justice into mainstream responses to crime and strategies of regulation.
Global Development: The handbook outlines the global development and appeal of restorative justice, critically examining its rhetoric, practices, and policies, and discussing its future.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to provide a comprehensive analysis of restorative justice. It begins by explaining the historical development of the movement, tracing its roots to ancient approaches to conflict resolution, Aboriginal justice, religious texts, and the victims’ movement. It then delves into the key concepts and principles of restorative justice, analyzing its relationship to more conventional concepts of criminal justice.
The handbook also examines the variety of restorative justice practices, including their development in different contexts. It critically evaluates the rationales and effects of these practices, highlighting both their successes and challenges.
Furthermore, the book addresses issues such as gender and race within the field of restorative justice, discussing how these factors influence the implementation and outcomes of restorative justice practices.
Critical Reception
The "Handbook of Restorative Justice" has been well-received by scholars and practitioners in the field. It is considered essential reading for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of restorative justice. The book's interdisciplinary approach and critical examination of the subject matter have been particularly praised for their depth and breadth.
While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book's reputation as a leading authority in the field of restorative justice is evident from its inclusion in academic resources and its use as a reference in various educational settings.
Conclusion
The "Handbook of Restorative Justice" by Gerry Johnstone and Daniel W. Van Ness is a seminal work in the field of restorative justice. It offers a comprehensive and authoritative account of the subject, covering its historical development, key concepts, and various practices. The book's critical examination of the movement's tensions and issues, as well as its interdisciplinary perspectives, make it a valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.