Drastic increases in the use of imprisonment; the introduction of 'three strikes' laws and mandatory sentences; restrictions on parole - all of these developments appear to signify a new, harsher era or 'punitive turn'. Yet these features of criminal justice are not universally present in all Western countries. Drawing on empirical data, Hamilton examines the prevalence of harsher penal policies in Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand, thereby demonstrating the utility of viewing criminal justice from the perspective of smaller jurisdictions. This highly innovative book is thoroughly critical of the way in which punitiveness is currently measured by leading criminologists. It is essential reading for students and scholars of criminology, penology, criminal justice and socio-legal studies, as well as criminal lawyers and practitioners.

About the Author
Dr Claire Hamilton LLB. (Ling. Franc.); Barrister-at-Law; M.Litt; Dip EurCon in Human Rights; Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching practised as a barrister in criminal law until 2004 when she became a full time academic. She is currently a Lecturer in Criminology in the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work in Queen's University Belfast.

Reviews

'Overall, this book offers an important expansion and corrective to the current body of work on punitiveness...This book will be a valuable addition to the field for those with an academic interest in globalisation of criminal justice or in the 'punitive turn'. For the more general reader, this offers a means for critical reflection on developments in policy and practice, with all of the complexity and contradictions, opportunities and threats that entails.'

Dr Jamie Bennett, Governor of HMP Grendon & Springhill

Book Information
ISBN 9780367600501
Author Claire Hamilton
Format Paperback
Page Count 252
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g