Advocates of restorative justice make bold claims about its potential. That it benefits victims, offenders and the wider community. That it can cut crime and reduce prison populations. That it can restore faith in the criminal justice process.
Are such claims justified? And how can human rights, fair trial and due process be safeguarded? Restorative Justice: The way ahead examines and evaluates restorative justice programmes around the world, before looking at nascent schemes in the UK. Building on the lessons learned, it makes recommendations as to how restorative elements can best be integrated into the criminal justice system in England and Wales.