This report, commissioned by the Mission and Public Affairs Council of the Church of England, is an important contribution to the national debate on the future of sentencing and the role of the courts. It considers the efficacy and integrity of the current criminal justice system and the principles of restorative justice, responsible sentencing, rehabilitation and atonement from a Christian perspective. Ecumenical and up-to-date with current legislation, the report is edited by Peter Sedgwick, until recently, the Policy Adviser for the Home Affairs department in the Church of England. Peter Sedgwick is one of the Churches' leading experts on the criminal justice system. Contributing authors: Stuart Dew, David Faulkner, Lord Justice Laws, Tim Newell, Stephen Pryor, Bishop Peter Selby.