ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the basic assumptions of restorative justice (RJ), identifying in the process an unresolved normative problem evident within current theory and practice that complicates any attempt to address the dual role problem. According to normative individualism, the justification of RJ practices has its basis in the equal value of all persons and their mutual commitment to engage in dialogues displaying respect for each other and regard for their varying interests and needs. As with forensic and correctional practice, normative individualism with its assumption that individuals are the appropriate locus of ethical concern, in conjunction with the moral acquaintance framework, can help practitioners arrive at ethically justified RJ plans. The chapter outlines an ethical decision-making procedure based on moral acquaintance theory that has the potential to help RJ practitioners more effectively grapple with their conflicting ethical goals. The moral acquaintance framework agrees that in a pluralistic society there are a number of equally legitimate, and often competing normative systems.
