Crime and Justice since 1750

Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive, introductory text for students taking courses in crime and criminal justice history. It covers all of the key historical topics central to an understanding of the current criminal justice system, including the development of the police, the courts and the mechanisms of punishment (from the gallows to the prison). The role of the victim in the criminal justice system, changing perceptions of criminals, long-term trends in violent crime, and the rise of surveillance society also receive detailed analysis. In addressing each of these issues and developments, the authors draw on the latest research in this rapidly expanding field to explore a range of historiographical and criminological debates. This new edition continues its exploration of criminal justice history right through to the present day and discusses recent events in the criminal justice world. Each chapter now ends with a ‘Modern parallels’ section - a detailed case study providing historical analysis pertinent to a specific contemporary issue in the field of criminal justice and drawing parallels between historical context and modern phenomenon. Each chapter also includes a ‘Key questions’ section, which guides the reader towards appropriate sources for further study. The authors draw on their in-depth knowledge and provide an accessible and lively guide for those approaching the subject for the first time, or those wishing to deepen their knowledge. This makes the book essential reading for those teaching or studying modules on criminal justice, policing and youth justice.