NCJ Number
159209
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1995) Pages: 326-343
Date Published
1995
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the changing values underlying the probation service in Great Britain argues that the Nellis analysis of 1995 did not go far enough and proposes an alternative approach that rests on the concept of relational justice.
Abstract
Nellis undertook a detailed analysis of the factors that have undermined the traditional value base of the probation service. He outlined a new set of values for the 1990's and argued that they were more appropriate to the changed role of the service within the criminal justice system and better suited to its changed organizational context. These values are anticustodialism, restorative justice, and community safety. However, Nellis did not sufficiently analyze and respond to the changed political context in which criminal justice policy exists. He also did not build on recent developments in criminological theory. Moreover, the values he proposes contain and conceal several problematic and unresolved tensions and ambiguities. In contrast, relational justice has three central concepts: (1) crime as an injury to victims, their families, and the community rather than solely an offense against the state; (2) justice that seeks to repair relationships and emphasizes offender responsibility; and (3) punishment as a basis for reintegrating the offender into the community rather than an end in itself. Note and 46 references (Author abstract modified)