Dissertation
History and Critique of Restorative Justice Policy and Practice in the Queensland Criminal Justice System
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00773
Abstract
The historical development, implementation and outcomes of restorative justice policy and practice in the Queensland criminal justice system are explored in this thesis. Restorative justice is a process that provides an opportunity for all those affected by a crime to meet to discuss the offence, to determine a means to repair the harms it created, while helping to reintegrate the offender back into the community. Both Australian and international literature has shown that these programs can produce significant benefits to victims, offenders, and their communities, including high levels of participant satisfaction, reductions in recidivism and increased participant support networks (e.g., Strang et al., 2013; Suzuki & Yuan, 2021; Wong et al., 2016). As such, these programs have received substantial interest, with a considerable body of academic research and critical debate ensuing. However, much of this work has related to international restorative justice programs, with a significant focus on outcomes and applications in the youth justice sector – although, recent studies have begun to explore how these programs function and applications for adults who offend. There remain substantial gaps in the knowledge and understanding of the development and implementation of restorative justice policy and practice for both justice-involved youth and adults.
To address these gaps in knowledge, a case study methodology was used to answer three research questions: (1) How has restorative justice been implemented in Queensland, and why? (2) How is restorative justice currently being applied? and (3) How could restorative justice practice in Queensland be improved to optimise benefits for all stakeholders? The findings were used to identify transferrable lessons for similar jurisdictions where restorative justice programs have also been used in response to crime (e.g., New Zealand; see Weatherburn & Macadam, 2013) and contribute to existing knowledge of restorative justice more broadly.
Details
- Title
- History and Critique of Restorative Justice Policy and Practice in the Queensland Criminal Justice System
- Authors
- Stephanie Price - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Contributors
- Nadine McKillop (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00773
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99744998702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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