Controversial Issues in Criminology

Book excerpt: Should prostitution be legalized? Are stalking laws effective? Is medical treatment a useful way to deal with criminal offenders? Are restorative justice processes too lenient toward offenders? These are some of the most hotly debated questions in the field of criminology, often sparking discomfort and anger among those who wish to know more about these issues. Now, "Controversial Issues in Criminology" attempts to provide factual information and a much-needed forum for discussion, utilizing a unique debate format to discuss controversial issues in the field of criminology. KEY TOPICS: Topics addressed in this book were chosen with a conscious effort to include those that are the most controversial. The contributing authors, each solicited because of their expertise in this area, come from a variety of backgrounds, academic disciplines and perspectives. In addition to such hot topics as prostitution, stalking, and the rehabilitation of criminals, the book also covers issues such as the "supersizing" of murder, government research on terrorism, stricter law enforcement for "techno-crimes," and the role of "community corrections." Law enforcement officers, corrections officers, educators, students of law enforcement, and anyone interested in issues of criminal justice and the correctional process.