Conflicts are important elements in society. Social systems should be organized so that conflicts are nurtured and made visible and so that professionals do not monopolize the handling of conflict. In particular, crime victims have lost their rights to participate. A court procedure that restores the participants' rights to their own conflicts is outlined. Particularly important is determining what can be done for the victim, first and foremost by the offender, second by the local neighbourhood, and third by the state. The courts would be oriented with a goal of reducing dependence on the professionals in crime-control system.

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.