Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the social science of criminal justice and focuses on work in restorative justice. It considers the place of healing in a bigger conception of criminal justice. The book deals with close listening to victims, wrongdoers and judges of wrongdoing. It analyzes some common mistakes we make in judging the wrongs of others in America. The book describes the realities of incarceration, focuses on solitary confinement and sexual violence inside prison. It discusses what victims of violent wrongs seek from the legal system, both in basic law enforcement and victim rights. The book details victim needs for relational healing and how relational justice values might inform legal processes and looks at the redemption of violent offenders. It deals with race in criminal justice, analyses what majority America too often misses about past realities.