While much of the research on restorative justice conferencing focuses on outcomes, such a victim and offender satisfaction and reduced recidivism, we argue that understanding the procedural and interactional dynamics of conferencing are an important component in the development of the theory of this process. This can include practical elements such as spatial and operational procedures; procedural elements such as fairness, inclusion,
and empowerment; and ritual and symbolic elements such as the use of emotions, linguistic and bodily synchronization, solidarity, and shared morality. This paper discusses the benefits and challenges of using a variety of qualitative methods, from ethnographic observations, in depth interviews, archival analysis, video analysis, and conversation analysis, to examine and document the elements that lead to a successful restorative justice conference.