Criminal Justice

Description

The most straightforward overview available. Covers the entire criminal justice system. A ‘no frills’ explanation for beginners.

This basic guide sets out the main components of the criminal justice system in an accessible way. Intended as a starting point for readers coming to the subject for the first time it is ideal for new staff, volunteers, first year students and other ‘rookies’: a short book of facts, explanations and pointers to further study.

Chapters:

1. What is Crime?

2. What is Criminal Justice?

3. Who’s Who?

4. Modern Developments

5. The Police

6. The Criminal Courts in Action

7. Sentencing (including Probation Work)

8. Prisons and Imprisonment

9. Victims and Restorative Justice

10. Causes of Crime

The book also features the Rule of Law, risk assessment, decision-making, forensic investigation, witnesses, surveillance, criminology, crime reduction strategies, border controls, penal reform and some international and historical dimensions.

With a Glossary of Words, Acronyms and Abbreviations.

Reviews

‘Extremely useful in clearing up some questions that had come up over the years… especially roles and responsibilities and who answers to whom. In my opinion, it is an essential reference book for the non-lawyer’: Mark Parsons, head teacher and lay member of the Homicide Review Advisory Group (HOMRAG).

‘Thank you for writing such a useful little book’: A prison visitor.

‘A good introduction and reads very well’: John Harding

‘An authoritative and easy-to-read account of the main features of the system and their latest developments’: David Faulkner.

Author

Bryan Gibson is a barrister-at-law who worked in the criminal justice system before founding Waterside Press in 1989. He has written several books on aspects of the criminal justice system and worked alongside a wide range of other authors on entire topics covered by this book.

Additional information