Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores that jurisprudence to see what restorative justice can add to the responsive mix and how what it adds can have wider exposure. It provides a comprehensive assessment of existing restorative practice in diverse sites of practice across New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe. The book aims to deliver on the individual and societal pressing need for retribution against the wrongdoer. A traditional criminal justice response has regard for desert, equality and rights protection but little or no regard for social harmony. The growth of a restorative sentencing jurisprudence suggests that criminal practice can be open to accommodating restorative approaches. The book suggests a way to more fully accommodate recognition of the potential of restorative justice within mainstream institutional practice.