A variety of alternatives to traditional criminal justice is practiced throughout the world, and has been for centuries in, for example, customary law systems. In contemporary countries in the Global North, the most widespread institutionalized alternative to handling conflict in traditional criminal justice systems are various forms of restorative justice institutions. Still, the traditional way of handling conflicts - through courts, fines and prison sentences - is the dominant form. The present edited volume is a contribution to discussions of alternatives, alternatives that have the possibilities of being in the better interest of victims, offenders and communities as a whole.