Restorative Justice: Theories and Practices

This module, led by Dr Giuseppe Maglione, introduces students to restorative justice as both a transformative framework for understanding crime and harm, and a practical approach increasingly shaping criminal justice policy, community practice, and institutional responses to conflict. The teaching is structured across 32 hours: 16 hours dedicated to theory (8 lectures and 8 seminars) and 16 hours dedicated to practice, allowing students to move systematically from critical understanding to applied competence.

The first part of the module (Theories) explores the philosophical foundations, core values, and contested debates surrounding restorative justice. Sessions include: Introduction to the Course; Restorative Justice: Histories and Theories; and Institutionalising Restorative Justice. Students examine restorative justice as a political, ethical, and theoretical project situated within wider criminological thought and contemporary criminal justice developments.

The second part (Practices) adopts an experiential, learning-by-doing approach. Through case studies, role-plays, and structured exercises, students develop the skills needed to analyse and respond restoratively to conflict and harm. Practice sessions include: Critical Issues (Assessment 1 workshop); Conflict and Harm Analysis; Restorative Justice Skills; and Restorative Justice Practices (Assessment 2 workshop).

The module concludes with a Conclusion session, a Revision Week, and Assessment 2 Week Role Plays, where students demonstrate their practical restorative competence. Across the module, students develop both critical insight and practical confidence to apply restorative thinking responsibly in professional and community contexts.