Understanding Restorative Justice - by Pete Wallis (Paperback)

About the Book

This unique book is a clear and detailed introduction that analyses how restorative justice nurtures empathy, exploring key themes such as responsibility, shame, forgiveness and closure. Using case studies, the book offers a fresh angle on a topic that is of growing interest both in the UK and internationally.

Book Synopsis

This unique book is a clear and detailed introduction that analyses how restorative justice nurtures empathy, exploring key themes such as responsibility, shame, forgiveness and closure.

The core notion of the book is that when a crime is committed, it separates people, creating a 'gap'. This can only be reduced or closed through information and insight about the other person, which have the potential to elicit empathy and compassion from both sides. The book explores this extraordinary journey from harm to healing using the structure of a timeline: from an offence, through the criminal justice process and into the heart of the restorative meeting.

Using case studies, the book offers a fresh angle on a topic that is of growing interest both in the UK and internationally. It is ideal as a comprehensive introduction for those new to restorative justice and as a best practice guide for existing practitioners.

Review Quotes

"A well-researched, original, and welcome contribution to the growing literature on restorative justice, focusing on the development of empathy to gradually reveal the layers of the restorative process."--Dr. Marian Liebmann, OBE

"A compelling, honest, and moving book which will make a huge contribution to the field."--Belinda Hopkins "Transforming Conflict, National Centre for Restorative Justice in Youth Settings (UK)"

About the Author

Pete Wallis is senior practitioner in restorative justice for Oxfordshire Youth Offending Service.