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*New*
Restorative Justice Theory and Practice: Addressing the Discrepancy, HEUNI Report #52
Theo Gavrielides
(paperback)
2007, 301 pages
ISBN: 978-952-5333-32-9
$50.00

A study examines the harmful gap between the theory of restorative justice (RJ) and its application in programs in Europe, the U.S and elsewhere. Data were obtained from four surveys of restorative justice practitioners, using a combination of qualitative methodologies, including questionnaire responses, interviews and focus groups.
Restorative justice programs strive to “restore” peace after a crime has been committed by engaging victims, offenders and community representatives in dialogue and mediation. Compared to the criminal justice system, previous studies reviewed by Dr. Gavrielides have credited RJ programs with such benefits as lower recidivism, and higher levels of satisfaction with outcomes among victims, offenders and community representatives. However, the author’s seven-year research program uncovered evidence of a pervasive gap between restorative justice principles and current RJ program operations. This “gap” is blamed for widespread difficulties such as insufficient funding for RJ programs, inadequate training and accreditation of RJ practitioners, lack of faith and commitment among staff, and a tendency for RJ programs over time to become increasingly similar to the standard criminal justice system. Dr. Gavrielides warns that if these problems are not corrected, RJ’s original values and benefits may never be realized.
Part I draws on the literature to construct the themes for the fieldwork. Part II analyzes the results of two surveysqualitative questionnaires completed by of and interviews conducted with 40 RJ practitioners from around the world, and interviews with personnel atat 13 RJ programs in England and Wales. Part III presents findings from surveys of staff members at 22 organizations that respond to hate crimes and sexual offenses in the U.S., England, and Israel and other countries that respond to hate crimes and sexual offenses, including case studies of successful efforts programs and an essay on resolving sex scandals in the Catholic Church through restorative justice. Part IV presents the author’s conclusions and recommendations for overcoming the gap between RJ theory and practice.
Dr. Theo Gavrielides is the Head of Policy of the British organization Race on the Agenda (ROTA). An expert on restorative justice, and criminal justice and human rights, he is also the founder and Academic Director of Independent Academic Research Studies, a UK-based international network of young researchers dedicated to preventing violence and antisocial behaviors. "...it is an important book that reminds those of us who are engaged in criminal justice reform to regularly take stock of the direction of the restorative justice movement." Lisa M. Rea, President and Founder, The Justice & Reconciliation Project, USA
"This excellent book is highly recommended." Tony Thspherd, Chief Executive, Safer London Foundation, UK

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