ABSTRACT
As we saw in Chapter 1, the theoretical development of restorative justice has followed a number of different, though connected, streams, each of which has emphasised somewhat different aims and objectives for restorative justice in practice. The aims for restorative justice initiatives should thus reflect the theoretical tradition of restorative justice from which the scheme itself has developed. They are also likely, however, to be influenced by the prevailing justice climate. Indeed, because participants in restorative justice events are key decision-makers as to what is raised during the event and what may be put in any outcome agreement, we have argued that the cultural views about justice of the participants – their ‘justice values’ – will necessarily shape what happens (Shapland et al. 2006b). Similarly, it is possible to argue that those who are setting up restorative justice schemes – and those who are funding them – will be influenced by the prevailing views about what justice should be achieving in that society at that time.
