Book Review: Cornwell, D. J. (2006). Criminal Punishment and Restorative Justice: Past, Present and Future Perspectives. Winchester, UK: Waterside Press. 177 pp

• Date: 01 June 2008
• DOI: 10.1177/1057567708319491
• Published date: 01 June 2008
• Author: Meredith Rossner
• Subject Matter: Articles

The major shortcoming of this book is its accessibility; that is, readers could more easily grasp the

information if the authors condensed the chapters and presented the materials in a more concise

manner. Nevertheless, since this book provides rich information regarding faith-based programs

around the world, people who are interested in faith-based programs from an international perspec-

tive can benefit greatly from the book.

Doris C. Chu

Arkansas State University

Reference

Jupp, B., & Mulga, G. (1997). Keeping the faiths: The new covenant between religious belief and secular

power. London: Demos.

Cornwell, D. J. (2006). Criminal Punishment and Restorative Justice: Past, Present and

Future Perspectives. Winchester, UK: Waterside Press. 177 pp.

DOI: 10.1177/1057567708319491

This timely book addresses many contemporary issues in justice and punishment philosophy,

ultimately offering restorative justice as a framework for an “inclusive theory of punishment.” Cornwell

suggests that this book is appropriate for both academics and criminal justice professionals. While

many of theses theories are intimately connected to the day-to-day working of criminal justice practi-

tioners, students of law, justice, and punishment are most likely to benefit from this book.

The text is thematically divided into three sections. The first examines the major philosophies of jus-

tice and punishment since the rise of the classical school in the 18th century. A timeline of the major

theories of justice is explored, including retributive, utilitarian, deterrence, reform, and rehabilitation.

Cornwell makes clear the philosophical and political roots of the rise and fall of both the rehabilitative

ideal of the 1960s and the justice model of the 1970s and 1980s. The necessities, strengths, and

weaknesses of each approach are considered, and Cornwell argues that the current needs of the justice

system are not adequately met with any of these philosophies.

Although this book purports to be about restorative justice, we do not encounter a discussion of

this concept until almost halfway through the text, where the crux of Cornwell’s argument rests. The

previous chapters explore the dominant philosophies of retribution, deterrence, incapacitation,

reform, and rehabilitation, highlighting a number of problems and failures of each theory on its own.

Says Cornwall, “As one [theory] after another appears to fail in the ultimate purpose of reducing

crime, there is a tendency to re-visit and re-invent alternative theories to justify the punishment

agenda, rather than re-address and re-assess the causes of crime within our contemporary societies”

(p. 75). The question, then, is how can these different justifications for punishment work together to

actually reduce crime? The answer, Cromwell asserts, is through the restorative justice movement.

As readers of this journal are most likely aware, restorative justice offers a unique way of looking

at the problems of crime and punishment. It takes a wider view of social harm, one that is more

inclusive of victims and damaged communities, arguing that criminal justice has long been focused

on the offender alone. This movement recognizes victims’rights, democratizes the judicial process,

and provides a more holistic approach to dealing with the problems of crime. It is important to note

that Cornwell’s argument is based on a generalized notion of restorative philosophy or framework

rather than a specific program or practice. This relatively vague conception of restorative justice

Book Reviews 235