Abstract
This chapter outlines some of the key issues that have emerged in critiques of
restorative justice. Finding answers to these criticisms is an important part of
developing restorative justice practice and theory in a way that is sensitive to issues
of social justice and political transformation. It is important to recognise that many
progressive political activists see restorative justice as a preferable policy alternative
to more punitive criminal justice approaches. The question is whether restorative
justice can actually live up to their expectations.