Assuming no prior knowledge, this text provides a clear and user-friendly introduction to the key definitions and issues of crime. With an unrivalled combination of scope plus introductory pitch, this is a one-stop shop for undergraduates taking their first modules in criminology and criminal justice.
'This is exactly what the quickly growing criminology and criminal justice undergraduate market has needed for a long time: a coherent, comprehensive and well-written introduction to the subject matter that will welcomed by lecturers and students alike'. This timely text superbly fills a significant gap in the market place and I recommend it very highly.' - Roger Hopkins Burke, Criminology Subject Leader, Nottingham Trent University, UK
'...a broad ranging, comprehensive overview of the subject. It is written in an accessible style, which makes it eminently suitable for those new to this area...I would have no hesitation in recommending this book for anyone requiring an introduction to criminology and criminal justice.' - SRA News (Social Research Association)
Introduction
PART I: DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTIONS OF CRIME
Defining Crime and Studying Criminology and Criminal Justice
Key Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice
PART II: UNDERSTANDING CRIME DATA
Understanding Crime Data I: Sources of Information
Understanding Crime Data II: Methods of Interpretation
PART III: THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN CONTEXT
The Criminal Justice System and its Processes
The Police: Gatekeepers to the Criminal Justice Process
The Prosecution Process: the Courts and Sentencing
The Prison
Probation: Community-based Punishment and Community Justice
Multi-Agency and 'Joined-up' Approaches to Criminal Justice Policy
PART IV: THEORIES OF CRIME
Theories of Crime I: The Individual and Crime
Theories of Crime II: Society and Crime
Theories of Crime III: Critical and Deconstructive Perspectives
Summary
CHRIS CROWTHER is Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. In addition to a continuing interest in policing, he is currently researching crime, social divisions and community development in southern England. His publications include Policing Urban Poverty (Palgrave Macmillan 2000).