Justice That Restores

This book is superbly written and well documented. He has a section describing the Changing Character in Crime which just simply will send chills up your spine. Throughout the book Colson is asking, What is the Remedy? What is Justice? What Must We Do? He does not tip toe around these questions. He presents historical examples and modern statistics and you must decide. I especially liked the Alternative Sentencing section. Not giving the Judges the power to lessen the sentence of a horrific crime but at the same time not overloading the prisons with minor crimes and then be forced to release sentenced criminals by the courts.He looks at the common sense cost and effectiveness of present sentencing. Towards the end of the book he does point to prison systems that are working. And the stats show the reduction of recidivism as a result of these new faith based prisons. Personally I do not understand why these newer systems cannot be seen as win-win-win situations. The taxpayer saves money, the prisoner does not return to jail, and society gets a responsible citizen back in society.I cannot understand a less than excellent review being given by a person that has not served in a prison system. I serve in the Ct. Dept. of Correction and after reading this book not only are my eyes are open to reality but so is my mind. There really needs to be a better way than what we are doing today and I believe that at the very least this book should get the legislatures, wardens and citizens asking, no demanding for positive changes. I would love to see what would be the result if every warden in a state be given this book to study and then to come together with Mr. Colson, The Governor and the Commisioner of Correction.Mr. Colson needs to write another book in this vein of thought. This book went by way too soon.

It is sad to see a professional critique that is so shallow. The major point that Colson makes in the book is that the rise in crime is a moral problem, and a problem of morality. I know that it's popular to put everything in "Right" and "Left" political terms, but when it comes to the criminal justice system those labels make little sense, and Colson is very careful to say that to the extent that both have tried to "Fix" the system both have been wrong. What is needed and evaluation of what works and what doesn't. As one who has spent the last seven years working in prison ministry, I was impressed at how well Colson presented what we all see. I have never worked with Colson's groups, I can't sign the pledge they require, but I'm a great admirer of their organization. The place where I think the book breaks down is in the conclusion, and recommendations. Colson sites several different programs, but doesn't offer a grand vision... I wish he would, but I'm afraid, that like many real world problems, there isn't a simple solution. Success requires men to change their hearts, and that can't be done en masse, but only one heart at a time.

This book found a bit of a skeptical reader in me. Not because of the blinding influence of political presuppositions but by the gargantuan criminal justice problems facing our society. Such had me thoroughly intimidated. The problems seem so complex and systemic that one is often reduced to cynicism.What could such a small book offer that could even begin to address such a titanic issue?The answer is: Plenty!Having experienced the criminal justice system from inside and out, top and bottom Colson speaks candidly about a subject he knows very well. From senior aid to the President in the White House to convicted criminal and prisoner; from ivy league lawyer to founder of an international prison ministry Colson brings enough experience and perspective to the issue that caused me to give his little book a chance.What I found was a gem, a precious diamond of clarity in a mountain of confusing fools gold.Colson begins with an examination of several schools of thought that have shaped our foundational philosophy towards criminal justice and reveals how we have arrived at the present state of affairs. His view that our understanding of anthropology shapes our philosophy of crime, punishment, and reformation is essential to any effort that would address the ills of the system.Colson asks and answers some of the hardest questions facing modern society in a way that is candid and surprisingly refreshing. Some reviewers are unable to rise above the polarization of politics. Their perception is thus reduced to a staging area for mere knee-jerk reactionism. It is better to examine arguments on the basis of their own merits rather than set out to shred them before careful contemplation. When prejudices abort objectivity any hope of consensus become a prey.I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Even if you disagree with Colson's conclusions I would highly recommend that you critique your own positions as vigorously as you do Colson's.

No surprise here. The Criminal Justice System is riddled with discrimination, and corruption. This book, and another must read: U.S. Customs Badge of Dishonor, show a revealing and disfunctional look into the facad we call the Criminal Justice System.

Chuck Colson, probably the most influential Christian writer alive today, tackles the knotty questions, "What is justice?" and "How should a modern Christian view our current justice system?" He has a very readable style, using stories of real lives to make his points. Colson makes no bones about his view that our current justice system is horribly out of kilter. But he does more than critique the system. He brilliantly analyzes the philosophical and theological errors that got us in this mess, and lays out a vision for how we can restructure the system to make it repair the harm done to victims and communities, and reform the hearts of offenders. He calls this approach "Restorative Justice", and cites many places in the US and around the world where it is being practiced. This book put my experiences with crime in perspective. It gave me hope, where I had given up on finding a solution to the scourge of crime in our neighborhoods. This is probably the most important book any Christian can read this year. Once you have read it, you'll have a clearer understanding of how society should respond to crime, and what things you can do to help. I highly recommend this book.