Theo Gavrielides is an international expert in criminal justice and human rights theory, policy and practice. His current research is at the cutting edge of restorative justice and juvenile justice. He is an advisor to governments and international bodies, and is a pioneer of user-led methods of research, policy and legislative reform. He is the founder and Director of the international think-tank Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS), and the founder and co-Director of the Restorative Justice for All international institute. He is also a Visiting Professor in Canadian and British universities.

• Acknowledgements, Introduction, Chapter One Restorative Justice in Action, Chapter Two Restorative Ideals, Chapter Three Ideals and Practical Realities: The Gap, Chapter Four Problematic Ideals and a Problematic Relationship, Chapter Five Restorative Ideals Re-examined, References, Index

'Margarita Zernova has weighed an English restorative justice programme in the balance of restorative justice aspirations and found it wanting. Rather than focusing on programme shortcomings, she argues that these disparities raise questions about the ideals themselves. Her conclusions add a new dimension to the continuing debate about this important social movement.' Daniel W. Van Ness, Centre for Justice and Reconciliation at Prison Fellowship International, UK 'This book asks some searching questions of restorative justice practice - and of the extent to which restorative justice ideals can be achieved. Very readable, and drawing upon original research on youth conferencing, it spotlights restorative values and examines the tensions between them and the ways they are adapted by professionals. ' Joanna Shapland, University of Sheffield, UK