The apology ritual: a philosophical theory of punishment

Introduction

Part I. Justifying punishment

The problem of punishment and the restorative alternative

Some retributivist themes

Part II. Responding to wrongdoing

Responsibility, reactive attitudes and the right to be punished

Non-retributive dialogue

The cycle of blame and apology

Part III. The apology ritual

Restorative justice and state condemnation of crime

Institutional blame and apology

The apology ritual and its rivals.