Alternatives to criminal justice system have been the growing part of the debate surrounding the theory of criminology.
Shaming: In this arena of alternatives to criminal justice system, the most distinctive contribution has been John Braithwaite's theory of regenerative shaming which conjectures "the efficacy of re-integrative shaming and the counter-productiveness of stigmatization in controlling crime. John Braithwaite has asserted persuasively that the twin informal controls dissuading most people from offending against their fellow brethren are what he termed 'social disapproval' and 'pangs of conscience'". (Moore, n. d.) The formal criminal justice system in practice in the present modern era is all built upon "a model of the state intervening so as to remedy the behavior of reasonable and rational individuals who have made choices that are socially undesirable. Shaming, under the theory of regenerative shaming, on the other hand, stresses upon the interdependency of individuals. It recognizes shame as an emotion which helps in regulating this interdependency". (Moore, n. d.)
It is important to appreciate that a society marked by properly regulated interdependency, by the application of correct practices relating to shaming, the quantum of unlawful anti-social activities, i.e. the level of crime must be less. The hypothetical issue of modern criminology, its poor focus on social interdependency, therefore shows an intense issue in the Western approach towards punishment and crime. The basic issue has been that a methodical uncoupling relating to punishment and that of public shaming has been witnessed. In identifying "shame as the emotion that controls the attachment between interdependent individuals" Braithwaite as well as "other theorists who are pioneers in the role of shame are proposing that realistic, effective programs are present. These programs should ...