Another year, another set of critical challenges. Or perhaps more accurately, yet another uptick in the severity and intensity of crises that have been perpetuating for years, decades, or even longer. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and despite the temptation to view the present moment as an aberration, it is potentially more illustrative and effective to connect this period to the arc of history that has brought us to this point. In so doing, we also have an opportunity to reclaim a history of resistance – and justice.
As we continually endeavor to accomplish with each issue of the Contemporary Justice Review, the current volume presents a range of topics and perspectives that illuminate these larger themes of power and change through a grounded analysis of specific subjects. Beginning with a reflection on the interface between animals and humans, we start to develop a space for widening our sense of interconnection. Looking further at critical issues of modern policing and racial stereotyping, we explore the leading edge of contemporary struggles for justice. Concluding with research on core themes in restorative justice (including theories and models, plus youth and education), we bring a set of evolving ‘best practices’ to bear on not only promoting action but articulating a vision as well. This is our overarching motivation.
Our ongoing commitment is to continue making CJR a robust and dynamic journal, to offer our unique perspective on the many dimensions of justice and engaged scholarship, and to help grow the field in the process. In carrying forth this essential purpose, we are grateful for all of the contributions to that effort made by everyone from readers and reviewers to advisory board members and the production team provided by the publisher. As well, it takes a wide range of participation to keep the project not only surviving but also flourishing, and we want to invite you to consider expanding your connection to CJR through articles, subscriptions, readership, and service. Lastly, all of this news is reflective of the growth we have seen in recent years, including over 100,000 total downloads across various platforms in the past year, and an expanding impact on research and scholarship in the field.
I would like to be able to end this editorial on such a hopeful note, yet I also feel compelled to point out that whatever we have accomplished up to now, it is at best necessary but not sufficient to meet the challenges at hand – from racism and sexism, to authoritarianism and oppression, to degradation and endless war. We can appreciate our efforts while still setting the bar higher to continue the work. As long as injustice persists and violence pervades in direct, structural, and cultural forms, there is no virtue in resting on our laurels. Now more than ever, we aspire to cultivate new visions for a just world, and to develop grounded practices to help realize this aim. With a new year ahead that is certain to bring deeper crises with it, let us be resolved in our intention to keep pushing forward along the arc of justice.
Just outside the DC Beltway, January 2018
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