ABSTRACT
Now that we have come to the end of this volume, we would like to finish by once again considering its beginning. The first three chapters were concerned with developing a philosophical framework through which we could consider the ethical implications of a variety of criminal justice issues from personal, social, and criminal justice perspectives. Now that we have attempted to examine contemporary issues within this framework, we are challenged to look toward the future of criminal justice, a future that is found hidden in its present. How are we to find the eyes to see such a future-a vision that can empower us to contribute to its promise? Will our contributions as individuals and institutions be expressed in the context of a community of hope or a community of fear and cynicism? Will we protect and serve the status quo (focus on the criminal), or will we move ahead, riding the crest of a long shot-that the larger sense of justice is what will be accentuated and that the possibility of social peace can increasingly become a reality? Are we only to be engaged in colorful, crisis-minded rhetoric, or can we translate contemporary justice dilemmas into opportunities for encouraging more substantial policies and practical applications toward restitution and reconciliation?
