Alternative Visions in the Context of Contemporary Realities (From Justice: The Restorative Vision, P 31-40, 1989, See NCJ-119505)

• NCJ Number: 119508
• Author(s): M K Harris
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 10 pages
• Corporate Author: MCC U.S. Office of Criminal Justice; MCC Canada Victims Offender Ministries Program
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Occasional Papers of the MCC Canada Victim Offender Ministries Program and the MCC U.S. Office of Criminal Justice, February 1989, Issue No. 7

Annotation

This article challenges the soundness of restorative justice strategy proposals in "Pursuing a Restorative Vision of Justice" (See NCJ-119507) because they focus on individual-level remedies and fail to address social-level remedies.

Abstract

By focusing on the offender's responsibilities to repair the damage caused by his or her crime, restorative justice proponents fail to recognize the role of society and societal institutions in promoting crime and conflict. Giving victims a formal role in the criminal justice system does not necessarily guarantee outcomes more favorable to victims and communities. Additionally, proponents of restorative justice fail to make clear how it will benefit the needs of offenders and how the new system would deal with dangerous offenders. The author quotes five ethical guidelines proposed by Gloria Steinem and offers them as a way to clarify the discussion of the goals and strategies of restorative justice. 3 references.