The Future of Alternative Justice: A Dialogue between Proponents of Different Schools of Alternative Thought

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Abstract

Over the last three decades, alternative forms of justice have been gradually gaining ground within criminological and socio-legal debates. We have seen the emergence and development of therapeutic, restorative, problem-solving, and, more recently, generative justice. All these distinct philosophies have been aiming to reimagine current criminal justice processes in a more compassionate, humane manner, each with distinct approaches and priorities. In this roundtable, scholars pertaining to different schools of alternative thought will be encouraged to think about the benefits and limitations of working collaboratively and developing alternative justice philosophies and mechanisms more interdependently rather than individually. Drawing on their own empirical focus, participants will engage critically in an open discussion about what alternative justice more generally offers, where it falls short, whether and where we would benefit from sharing and adapting mindsets, priorities or methodologies. We aim for this roundtable to be the beginning of a wider conversation on the future development of alternative justice thought and practice.

Subtopic

• Topic 5: Social Control and Criminal Justice / Criminal Justice Policy (Crime, Science and Politics WG )

Chair

• Iulia Cristiana Vatau, University of Oxford

Discussants

• Shona Minson, University of Oxford

• Beth Weaver, University of Strathclyde

• Alejandro Rubio Arnal, UPF/UFV

• Katerina Soulou, European Forum for Restorative Justice