Justice Here and Now: A Personal Reflection on the Restorative and Community Justice Paradigms

Abstract

The unique contribution of the restorative justice perspective is its emphasis on present, interpersonal practice. Restorative justice pursues, but does not necessarily achieve, mutually respectful and empowering speech. This emphasis on communicative engagement is paramount. It informs the other differences that Paul McCold (2004, this issue) identifies between restorative justice and community justice: for example, the necessary involvement and decision‐making authority of particular persons affected by a crime, in restorative justice programs. If justice is practice, then restorative justice programs should be evaluated phenomenologically.