This collection of essays by scholars of diverse backgrounds explores the notion of repentance in culture, focusing on individuals who have been excluded from society as a result of violating its laws. What must these individuals do to gain redemption and be readmitted? Amitai Etzioni argues that the lack of a well-grounded concept of civic repentance has significant negative social consequences for society. Denying people the opportunity to regain their social standing and membership in their communities is unfair, and the absence of such opportunities for restoration. He discusses possible ways of improving on the opportunities for people being readmitted to society, including restorative justice, rehabilitation programmes, and religious reconciliation rituals.