Crime is a source of endless fascination and fear. Yet behind the apparent consensus that crime must be fought, there is considerable conflict about what should or should not be treated as criminal, and even the most shocking crimes can inspire divisive debate. This concise book explores the seemingly simple, common-sense concept of crime revealing the huge complexities, ambiguities and tensions that lie beneath it. Criminal law is often at odds with different moral perspectives and the practices of different cultures. The mass media distort the picture profoundly, as do politicians in pursuit of law and order votes. The criminal justice system tackles only a limited range of crimes ? almost entirely ones committed by the poor and relatively powerless ? while often neglecting the most dangerous and harmful activities of corporations and states, from the carnage of unjust wars to the tragedies engendered by austerity. It is only by examining the multiple and varied perspectives on crime that we can begin to understand and respond appropriately to this social phenomenon. Written by a world-leading criminologist, this insightful book will be an invaluable and captivating introduction for students and interested readers of criminology, law, sociology and politics.

This is a major new reference and text in a subject which has lacked such a work for many years. It combines the talents of an unusually powerful group of writers who together cover the entire spectrum of subjects now referred to collectively as criminology. From the history of the discipline and its present organization in the United Kingdom, the book goes on to deal with topics as diverse as policing, alcohol and crime, juvenile crime, crime statistics, drugs and crime, custodial and non-custodial sentences, prisons, victims, and the organization of professional crime in Britain. As a whole, it constitutes the most comprehensive and up-to-date single-volume reference work in criminology and criminal justice. It is the definitive work in the field and will be essential for all students and scholars of criminology and professionals working in the criminal justice system.

This third edition of the popular and highly acclaimed text, The Politics of the Police, has been updated to take account of recent and profound changes in the law, policy, and organization of policing. It examines the complex and highly-charged debates surrounding this topic, including recent controversies and developments that have shaped public opinion about the police.

Product Description: Covering the theoretical understanding of policing, this study traces the connections between social and political domination, inequality and the police function. It also examines the balance between law enforcement and service elements in the police role.

Product Description: The works of Emile Durkheim have had an enormous influence on sociology. This book provides, first, a clearly written introduction to Durkheim's major works, looking at each of the major fields to which he contributed. Secondly, it examines the ways in which Durkheim has continued to provide inspiration in a variety of areas within sociology...read more

Product Description: This 1978 book addresses the way in which police unions had become increasingly militant and formed a significant political force, demanding better pay and conditions and a say in social and penal policy. In this study, Robert Reiner considers the development of British police unionization, and the views of the police themselves towards unionism...read more