Revisiting the gap between ideals and realities within restorative justice: Experiences from the Norwegian youth justice reform

Abstract

In this article, attention is paid to understanding how the principle of restorative justice is operationalised and works within a context such as the Norwegian youth justice reform. The study reveals a distinct gap between ideals and practical realities. This gap is elaborated on and discussed within various perspectives on restorative justice. By this, the article adds both to international literature on the subject and to debates on limitations of this principle within youth justice. The article also adds important experiences from restorative justice used as part of a penal regime for youth offenders.