2006
John Braithwaite
Society’s responses to crime and support for victims of crime.
The 2006 Prize for John Braithwaite recognised his empirical and theoretical studies of the social and psychological mechanisms that can provide redress for crime victims, while reintegrating offenders into mainstream society. His theory of ‘reintegrative shaming’ identified a process by which offenders can first experience a sense of shame for their crime, then show a willingness to repair the damage caused by the crime. The research he led demonstrated how the process made it possible for offenders to be reintegrated in law-abiding society.John Braithwaite
Born 1951 in Australia. John Braithwaite was professor at the College of Law, Australian National University (Australia) at the time of the award.
Showed that redress for victims and reintegration for perpetrators can be achieved both inside and outside the traditional legal system.Showed that redress for victims and reintegration for perpetrators can be achieved both inside and outside the traditional legal system.
From shame to reintegration into society
Braithwaite was recognised for his theories on ‘reintegrative shaming’ (shame as essential to reintegration) and ‘responsive regulation’ (an individualised response to crime that escalates as more crimes are committed). His research has had a major impact on both theory development and crime policy.
Theories’ global impact
Braithwaite’s theory has inspired a global social movement for restorative justice, in which all parties affected by a crime can work together to understand and repair its harmful consequences.
His contributions to criminology have also had a direct impact on the legal systems, on company law, and on international peace-making. Beyond his influence in academia, Braithwaite has played an important role in the practical implementation of public policy. Among other things, he has served on an Australian federal commission that regulates trade practices and has evaluated the implementation of nursing home regulations. He has also developed strategies to improve mining industry safety, aimed at reducing harm done to society’s most vulnerable citizens.
From retribution to dialogue
The theory of reintegrative shaming has been instrumental in bringing about a paradigm shift in legal policy, challenging a view of justice as a purely retributive principle and describing more inclusive democratic processes. Braithwaite’s work has emphasised open, rational, inclusive conversation as the basis for case-by-case decisions about responses to crime.
Strengthening the position of victims of crime is one of the biggest changes inspired by his research. His programme has broken with a thousand-year tradition of centralised governmental power, where decisions about crime victims’ needs were often made without their direct input. He has been instrumental in moving towards legal systems in which victims of crimes can actively participate and shape the outcomes of the legal process.