A critical conversation between the intellectual foundations of Restorative justice (ancient and modern, east and west) and selected case studies on contemporary restorative justice programmes, with special reference to UK/European and Chinese academics.
Restorative justice has deep roots in moral philosophical and legal thought. Western research has highlighted this through studies of justice within western legal and moral thought as well as within the traditional practices of indigenous peoples. Arguably however, some of the oldest and deepest roots of restorative justice lie in the east, in the teaching and philosophy of Confucius and in the ancient legal culture of China.
Restorative Justice is currently enjoying a renaissance in over 40 countries worldwide, based on a vision of justice as relational and on new approaches in legal, educational, and social contexts, to addressing and overcoming harm and wrongdoing using restorative practices. Examples of restorative approaches and practices can be found in a range of sectors within contemporary society, but most notably in the criminal justice system; educational institutions and public service organisations.
This symposium, which is the starting point for the project, is a unique platform for engaging academics and practitioners in a critical conversation around different practical examples of restorative justice. It has a twofold objective: a) to learn how the principles and values that are core to RJ are being understood and practised in different cultures and contexts; and b) to raise awareness and inform the development of restorative ideas and practices through research, educational publications and knowledge exchange.
