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Criminology |
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Understanding Criminal Justice -
Sociological Perspectives
Authored by:
Philip Smith Yale University, USA
Kristin Natalier University of Tasmania, Australia |
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Description:
`This book traverses an impressive array of topics and problems central to law and
criminal justice. Its accessibility, contemporary themes and sensitivity to issues of
inequality make it a perfect text for students and teachers of sociology, law,
criminology, legal studies and other related areas. It is rare to find a book that takes
the sociological imagination so successfully into fields that are often viewed as the
domain for legal professionals only. The well-chosen examples also make it a valuable
resource for scholars with experiences of different justice systems' - Sharyn L Roach
Anleu, Flinders University
`Smith and Natalier have produced an accessible, wide-ranging and lucid text which sets
the major questions of criminal justice within the broad framework of classical and
contemporary sociological theory. It represents a significant step forward among teaching
texts in the field, synthesising some difficult material without over-simplifying it, and
providing a broad-overview without losing sight of the texture of discreet issues’ -
Professor Nicola Lacey, London School of Economics
Is there really an intrinsic link between the law and our criminal justice system? What
exactly is it and can an understanding of wider sociological issues tell us anything about
this relationship?
Understanding Criminal Justice addresses the fundamental relationship between law and the
criminal justice system, and the ways in which both are intimately connected with wider
social forces.
The book provides an essential introduction coverering classic themes, debates and
literatures to ground the student before moving on to contemporary themes such as
globalisation, internet regulation and the media. The subject matter is contextualised
within the wider social framework by calling into play the historical, political,
community and cultural inputs that impact upon concrete policies and practice. The authors
integrate theory with data and examples from the UK, USA and Australia.
Through the inclusion of the following pedagogical devices, the student is encouraged to
more fully and independently develop their understanding of key questions and issues:
" review questions and exercises
" further reading lists
" suggested internet sites
" highlighted key terms
" bullets to summarise key points
" boxed sections on themes, definitions and case studies
This comprehensive overview is ideal for 1st and 2nd year undergraduates in Criminology,
Criminal Justice Studies, Law, Legal Studies, Sociology, Social Work and Policing. Having
used this text the reader will come to appreciate the myriad paths through which law and
the criminal justice system play a vital, if contested, role in our society.
ORDER CODE:SP0-7619-4032-4B
BOOK
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