The Perils of Restitution as an Aim of Punishment

Restitution is fast becoming one of the most powerful functions of punishment.  Nowithstanding some loose connections with retribution, I've expressed some reservations here about restitution -- as well as victim vindication generally -- at least as a core aim of criminal punishment. 

For those who are interested in this subject, may I recommend this terrific new piece by my colleague, Adam Zimmerman (co-authored with David Jaros), The Criminal Class Action, which documents and analyzes some interesting and problematic developments with respect to the increasing prominence of this punishment aim.