Compulsory Compassion: A Critique of Restorative Justice

by Annalise Acorn

In Compulsory Compassion, Annalise Acorn, a one-time advocate for restorative justice, deconstructs the rhetoric of the restorative movement. Drawing from diverse legal, literary, philosophical, and autobiographical sources, she questions the fundamental assumptions behind that that we can trust wrongdoers’ capacity for meaningful accountability and respectful community, and that we can, in good conscience, deploy the idea that healing lies in (re)encounter to seduce victims to participate in restorative processes.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2005

Reviews

[Max]

Thoughtful and compelling criticism but honestly, a chore to read. Solid ideas though

[Comrade Zupa Ogórkowa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books I’ve ever read. Cuts through all the idealistic bullshit of restorative justice approaches while also not propping up the criminal justice system. We continue to fail victims of SV while we emotionally manipulate them to pursue a form of justice that will provide none of the sort.