One of the classic and original works that paved the way for the development of the Restorative Justice movement. Martin Wright argues that the real need is for fundamental rethinking of crime and punishment, rather than short-term tinkering with a prison system that is in an intolerable state of crisis. Martin Wright starts by demonstrating that neither the conservative idea of deterrence through punishment nor the liberal ideal of rehabilitation has worked in practice. In their place he proposes the basis for a radical but carefully worked out practical philosophy which would place the emphasis on the offender making amends to the victim and society for the damage caused.