Aspirations of Restorative Justice Proponents and Experiences of Participants in Family Group Conferences

Abstract

This article will examine some key aspirations of restorative justice advocates. It will do so on the basis of the evidence collected in the course of an empirical study conducted in one family group conferencing project. The article will demonstrate that there is a significant gap between aspirations of proponents and practical realities of restorative justice. Possible explanations for the existence of the gap will be suggested. It will be argued that the findings of this study support some concerns of critics about dangers resulting from pursuing restorative ideals in practice.