The section is organized topically:

Defining Restorative Justice. These articles address the question “What is restorative justice? They do so by proposing definitions or principles that make up a restorative response to crime.

Distinguishing Restorative Justice .  An approach used by many writers has been to contrast restorative justice from what is presented as conventional criminal justice (referred to as retribution, traditional criminal justice, or in other ways).

Conceptual Issues and Justifications. These articles consider a variety of theoretical or conceptual (as opposed to practical) issues posed by restorative justice practice.

The Potential of Restorative Justice
What kind of role might restorative justice play in the future?

Reintegrative Shaming. Articles discussing the usefulness or destructiveness of considering shame as a part of restorative justice theory and practice.

Restorative Dialogue. What happens during restorative processes? These articles discuss victim offender mediation, conferencing, circles and other processes.

Limitations to Restorative Justice. Are there cases or situations in which restorative justice cannot be used, or should be used only with great care?

Retribution and Restoration. Is there a role for punishment in restorative justice?

Restorative Justice and Aboriginal Traditions.
Restorative justice draws from aboriginal teachings, and yet there may be tension between the two. These articles address the dynamic linkage that exists in attempting to adapt aboriginal concepts and practices for used in restorative programmes.

Theory Articles -- Full List
Articles discussing theoretical issues related to restorative justice.

August 2005