Understanding and Applying Restorative Justice

Book excerpt: Understanding and Applying Restorative Justice: Critical Readings on Why it's Needed and How it's Practiced provides students with carefully selected readings that emphasize restorative justice as an alternative approach to punishment or vengeance. The volume highlights the differences between restorative justice and criminal justice and demonstrates how to apply its key concepts and principles in real-world situations. Opening chapters explain the meaning and significance of restorative justice and also provide a brief historical overview. In Unit II, students learn about the conceptual and practical impacts of restorative justice. Units III, IV, and V cover the practice of restorative justice in criminal justice settings, educational settings, and within the community. Closing readings help readers thoughtfully reflect upon opportunities, challenges, and methodologies related to restorative justice. Throughout, guiding questions, insightful introductions, and post-reading questions encourage critical thought and support retention. Demonstrating the possibilities and realities of cultural and institutional changes aimed at building and restoring healthy relationships, Understanding and Applying Restorative Justice provides students with strong, foundational knowledge on a critical topic. The anthology is an excellent supplementary text for courses in sociology, criminal justice, social work, and education.