The present handbook offers, in a quick reference format, an overview of key considerations in the implementation of participatory responses to crime based on a restorative justice approach. Its focus is on a range of measures and programmes, inspired by restorative justice values, that are flexible in their adaptation to criminal justice systems and that complement them while taking into account varying legal, social and cultural circumstances. It was prepared for the use of criminal justice officials, non-governmental organizations and community groups who are working together to improve current responses to crime and conflict in their community

This publication is an initiative of the European Forum for Victim-Offender Mediation and Restorative Justice, and results from its first conference which was held in Leuven, Belgium, from 27-29 October 1999. The first six chapters consider victim-offender mediation and restorative justice from a more theoretical point of view. These analyses of theoretical, legal, policy, ethical and societal aspects of mediation and restorative justice have been written by well-known scholars in this field. The second part of the book consists of overviews of the situation with regard to victim-offender mediation in the eight European countries in which it is currently the most developed (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Poland and the United Kingdom). For these last chapters, a multitude of information was collected in each of these countries, and this is presented and analysed comparatively. The following topics are discussed for each of the countries: the history of victim-offender mediation in that particular country, the legal context, policy and implementation, the number of programmes and the way they function, the practice of mediation, the number and characteristics of cases, evaluation and research, and finally challenges, obstacles and expectations for the future. This is probably the first time that such extensive reports on the practice of victim-offender mediation in Europe have been brought together in this way. In publishing this book the European Forum is seeking to contribute to the realisation of one of its objectives, namely providing people all over Europe - and beyond - with information on victim-offender mediation and restorative justice in other countries. Restorative justice is a relatively new field and is still very much evolving. A full exchange of information and ideas will contribute to this process.

The Handbook Philosophy of Technology and Engineering Sciences addresses numerous issues in the emerging field of the philosophy of those sciences that are involved in the technological process of designing, developing and making of new technical artifacts and systems. These issues include the nature of design, of technological knowledge, and of technical artifacts, as well as the toolbox of engineers. Most of these have thus far not been analyzed in general philosophy of science, which has traditionally but inadequately regarded technology as mere applied science and focused on physics, biology, mathematics and the social sciences. - First comprehensive philosophical handbook on technology and the engineering sciences - Unparalleled in scope including explorative articles - In depth discussion of technical artifacts and their ontology - Provides extensive analysis of the nature of engineering design - Focuses in detail on the role of models in technology

Written by Mark Umbreit, internationally known for his work in restorative justice, this indispensable resource offers an empirically grounded, state-of-the-art analysis of the application and impact of victim offender mediation, a movement that has spread throughout North America and abroad. The Handbook of Victim Offender Mediation provides practical guidance and resources for offering victim meditation in property crimes, in minor assaults, and, more recently, with crimes of severe violence, including with family members of murder victims who request to meet the offender.

This reprint of the classic work, originally published by the UK Home Office, Information & Publications Group in 1999, is produced by Coventry Lord Mayor's Committee for Peace and Reconciliation on behalf of the Coventry Restorative Justice Forum. We work to inform the public about Restorative Justice, to encourage its practice within schools and other organisations, to ensure that it is delivered to a consistent standard across the city so that Coventry will become a Restorative Justice City.

In recent years the mediation movement has seen tremendous growth with significant advances being made in both research and practice. Despite these advances, reseachers and practitioners have remained relatively isolated from one another. Bridging the gap, COMMUNITY MEDIATION is dedicated to the mutual education of both researchers and mediators. It makes the findings of research accessible to practitioners and the issues of concern to practice available to researchers. Thus, this handbook affords researchers an excellent opportunity to learn more about actual techniques and enables practitioners to benefit from the latest research in the field.

Restorative justice has developed from a barely known term to a central role in debates on the future of criminal justice. But as it has moved into the mainstream so new tensions and issues have emerged as it becomes increasingly integrated into normal practice, and part of broader legal and judicial systems ­ both in common law countries and those with centralised legal systems. The purpose of this book is to explore this developing relationship between the concepts and practice of restorative justice on the one hand, and the law and legal systems on the other. Amongst the questions it addresses are the following: how are informal processes to be juxtaposed with formal procedures? what is the appropriate relationship between voluntarism and coercion? how can the procedures and practices of restorative justice be combined with legal standards, safeguards and precepts?

Restoring Justice: An Introduction to Restorative Justice, Sixth Edition, offers a clear and convincing explanation of restorative justice, a movement within criminal justice with ongoing worldwide influence. The book explores the broad appeal of this vision and offers a brief history of its roots and development as an alternative to an impersonal justice system focused narrowly on the conviction and punishment of those who break the law. Instead, restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by criminal behavior, using cooperative processes that include all the stakeholders. The book presents the theory and principles of restorative justice, and discusses its four cornerpost ideas: Inclusion, Encounter, Repair, and Cohesion. Multiple models for how restorative justice may be incorporated into criminal justice are explored, and the book proposes an approach to assessing the extent to which programs or systems are actually restorative in practice. The authors also suggest six strategic objectives to significantly expand the use and reach of restorative justice and recommended tactics to make progress towards the acceptance and adoption of restorative programs and systems.

Restorative justice aims to address the consequences of crime by encouraging victims and offenders to communicate and discuss the harm caused by the crime that has been committed. In the majority of cases, restorative justice is facilitated by direct and indirect dialogue between victims and offenders, but it also includes support networks and sometimes involves professionals such as police, lawyers, social workers or prosecutors and judges. In theory, the victim is a core participant in restorative justice and the restoration of the harm is a first concern. In practice, questions arise as to whether the victim is actively involved in the process, what restoration may entail, whether there is a risk of secondary victimisation and whether the victim is truly at the heart of the restorative response, or whether the offender remains the focal point of attention. Using a combination of victimological literature and empirical data from a European research project, this book considers the role and the position of the victim in restorative justice practices, focusing on legislative, organisational and institutional frameworks of victim-offender mediation and conferencing programmes at a national and local level, as well as the victims’ personal needs and experiences. The findings are essential reading for academics and students engaged in the study of justice, victimology and law. The publication will also be valuable to policymakers and professionals such as social workers, lawyers and mediators.