Summary
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The editors discuss the chapters of their book and the implications of this material for the elements of a restorative justice approach, the process of restorative justice, and the significant issues raised by the restorative justice approach. Three elements are fundamental to any restorative justice definition and practice. First, crime is viewed primarily as a conflict between individuals, and only secondarily as a violation against the state. Second, the aim of the criminal justice process should be to create peace in communities by reconciling the parties and repairing the injuries caused by the dispute. Third, the criminal justice process should facilitate active participation by victims, offenders and their communities so as to find solutions to the conflict.
