A masterpiece integrating normative and explanatory theory of social control. From democracy to deterrence, from welfare to warefare, Braithwaite’s imagination points us in promising directions research and action. Far from simple advocacy, this treatise presents a pinnacle of evidence-based, self-critical social reform. Anyone who takes justice seriously must read this book. – Professor Lawrence W Sherman, Director of the Fels Centre of Government, University of Pennsylvania
A persuasive account of how we might make our social and political worlds a little more decent. It is Braithwaite at his very best: comprehensive, illuminating and even at times inspiring. – Professor Philip Pettit, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University
Few scholars have so consistently contributed such rich material to the broader theory and vision of restorative justice. In Restorative Justice and Responsive Regulation, John Braithwaite provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the history, the successes, the dilemmas, and the challenges facing the restorative justice movement as it is currently developing throughout the world. By integrating his work as a scholar of business regulation with his extensive work as a criminologist. Braithwaite significantly widens the lens through which we understand the potential of restorative justice to deeply enrich the quality of community life and social progress. – Professor Mark S Umbreit, Direcotr, Centre for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking, University of Minnesota, School of Social Work
… a comprehensive and developed statement of [Braithwaite’s] research and theories on the integration and application of these strategies [ie restorative justice and responsive regulation] to move towards better outcomes for individuals and communities.
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The writing style is clear and at times lyrical … a good balance between content dealing with historical context, theory, empirical evidence and practice. …
Professor Braithwaite is passionate about his subject without being uncritically evangelical. In discussing restorative justice and responsive regulation he notes their potential dangers, weaknesses and limits. The real strength of this book, however, is the strong links he draws between restorative justice and responsive regulation and the forces that drive and motivate human beings. While his ideal world in which ‘the forces of law are listening, fair and therefore legitimate’ seems like an utopian dream, it is not hard to be convinced that the mechanisms he champions do have a valuable place in regulating society’s ills. – Reform (Australian Law Reform Commission), Issue 83, 2003
Overall this book is an interesting read full of dynamic well-presented ideas on restorative justice. Professor Braithwaite’s extensive research and work in the field shines through strongly. – The Newcastle Law Review, Vol 8 N0 2, 2004-05