ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author raises some issues that point to the importance of evaluations and suggest some approaches to these issues that have implications for both practice and evaluations of practice and programmes. These include questions about whether restorative justice is as victim-oriented as it claims (or are victims being ‘used’) and whether the needs of offenders are being adequately addressed. Are the ethnic and cultural dimensions of restorative justice being addressed? How well is restorative justice doing in societies dominated by a culture of punishment? Evaluations have to be multi-method and multi-focused activities that address processes and outcomes and that ensure we are clear about our principles and philosophies – that ensure we are engaged in principled practice.
