This newly enhanced Waterside Press Classic records a symposium where imaginary presenters - a Politician, Judge, Psychologist, Probation Officer, Victim Assistance Worker, Philosopher and Mediator discuss crime and punishment. This is the springboard for Martin Wright's review of developments in the field of Restorative Justice, where he is highly regarded as a commentator and authority, having been director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, policy officer of Victim Support, and librarian at the Cambridge Institute of Criminology. Restoring Respect for Justice challenges many 'sacred cows' of crime and punishment by focusing on the effect on the people who suffer directly, the victims. A key theme is that if society as a whole does not encourage respect then it ought to be no surprise if offenders have scant regard for the property, physical integrity or rights of others. A bad system can itself serve to weaken rather than improve safety and security. Universally acclaimed since it was first issued in 1999 and essential reading for practitioners and students alike, this enhanced edition of Restoring Respect for Justice points to the dangers of a punitive mindset and reflects on the arguments and data in fabour of an effective, inclusionary, community-based response to crime.
