Crime, Shame and Reintegration

As a victim of a violent crime (murder of a loved one), and preparing to take part in a victim/offender conference I felt the need to find out more about this new way of dealing with crime ie Restorative Justice. In this book John Braithwaite discusses the reasons why criminals offend and why the current justice system fails to satisfy the needs of the majority of victims. His theory with regards to reintegretive shaming and its subsequent applications are well thought out and compelling. As a criminologist and academic Mr Braithwaite tends to use many "in-house" phrases and words which makes the book heavy reading, especially for a layman such as I looking for simple answers. However, the content and theory are excellent, well researched and relevant in todays crime ridden society. I believe that Mr Braithwaite has the answer, or the beginning of the answer, in this book and I would make it compulsory reading for all existing and would be Judges in the world today. I highly recommend the book to all concerned citizens looking for an explanation, an answer, and a solution to the upward spiralling crime rate.