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Summary

Davey, Les (2005). The Development of Restorative Justice in the United Kingdom: A Personal Perspective Paper presented at "Building a Global Alliance for Restorative Practices and Family Empowerment, Part 3", co-hosted by the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) and Real Justice Australia, March 3-5, in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. Downloaded 28 March 2005.

We have come a long way in the UK from those early uses of RJ in the mid-80s, through the critical impetus provided by Terry O’Connell linking up with Sir Charles Pollard and the Thames Valley Police, followed by the government embracing RJ and incorporating it into youth justice legislation, the development of a government strategy on RJ, leading to Best Practice Guidelines and funding of pilots and research, which may further develop RJ in the adult justice system. If we are to continue the growth of RJ in the UK in a sustainable, safe and widely accessible manner, we need to ensure that what is being measured as RJ is in fact RJ; that systems and legislation changes are enabling rather than controlling; that standards avoid being so rigid that they stifle innovation. This means that future developments of restorative practice must be based upon best evidence rather than political expediency, pressure-group prejudices and vested interests. (excerpt)

Link: www.realjustice.org/library/au05_davey.html

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