Restorative Justice versus Community Justice: Clarifying a Muddle or Generating Confusion?

Abstract

While Paul McCold’s intent to clarify the compatibility of restorative justice and community justice conceptual frameworks is laudable, his effort provides as much confusion as clarity (McCold, 2004, this issue). This piece identifies some of the conflicts inherent in the roots of the development and growth of restorative justice. It also raises concerns regarding how restorative justice theoreticians and practitioners consider community, the role of strangers, empowerment, prevention, and punishment within restorative frameworks. The authors of this piece conclude that, while it remains important to safeguard the underlying principles of restorative justice, it is also necessary to remain open to new possibilities and to new ideas.

Keywords:

• Restorative Justice
• Restorative Justice History
• Restorative Justice Theory
• Community‐based
• Social Network; Prevention

Notes

Mark S. Umbreit is the founding Director of the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking at the University of Minnesota and a Professor in the School of Social Work. Robert B. Coates is currently a Senior Research Associate with the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, University of Minnesota. Betty Vos is a Senior Research Associate at the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, University of Minnesota. Correspondence to: Mark S. Umbreit, Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, 105 Peters Hall, 1404 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, USA. Tel: 612‐624‐4923; Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mark S. Umbreit

Mark S. Umbreit is the founding Director of the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking at the University of Minnesota and a Professor in the School of Social Work. Robert B. Coates is currently a Senior Research Associate with the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, University of Minnesota. Betty Vos is a Senior Research Associate at the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, University of Minnesota. Correspondence to: Mark S. Umbreit, Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, 105 Peters Hall, 1404 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, USA. Tel: 612‐624‐4923; Email: [email protected]