Wilkinson, director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, begins by summarizing the current state of corrections in Ohio. He notes the limits of the emphasis on incapacitation, "just deserts", and retribution. Focusing on the positive impact of community service (also known as "community justice") on adult felony offenders, he proposes restorative justice as a more fruitful approach. His arguments include a review of the literature on restorative justice, the state of corrections in the United States, and a sketch of restorative justice theory and programs. Moreover, he presents results of a significant research project to examine the impact of community service on recidivism.

Source: Vanspauwen, K., Robert, L., Aertsen, I., Parmentier, S. (2003), Restorative Justice and Restorative Detention. A selected and annotated bibliography. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid, Onderzoeksgroep Penologie en Victimologie.