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Summary

Wright, Martin (1988). "Introduction." In: M. Wright and B. Galaway (eds.), Mediation and Criminal Justice: Victims, Offenders and Community. London, UK: Sage Publications, pp. 1-13.

This chapter discusses the problems with the criminal justice system and the possibilities offered by mediation and reparation. The new approach arises from three strands of thinking: restitution, giving justice back to the communities, and the use of mediation to resolve the conflict. The purpose of the book was to combine descriptions of the development of victim/offender mediation with responses to some of the questions legitimately asked of a new method. Also discussed are whether the ethical and philosophical base of the new approach is sound and acceptable, how it relates to the criminal justice system, and whether on the basis of experience, research, and reflection so far, can any model be recommended.