Routledge The Making of Criminal Justice Policy

This new textbook will provide students of criminology with a better understanding of criminal justice policy and, in doing so, offers a framework for analysing the social, economic and political processes that shape its creation. The book adopts a policy-oriented approach to criminal justice, connecting the study of criminology to the wider study of British government, public administration and politics. Throughout the book the focus is on key debates and competing perspectives on how policy decisions are made. Recognising that contemporary criminal justice policymakers operate in a highly politicised, public arena under the gaze of an ever-increasing variety of groups, organisations and individuals who have a stake in a particular policy issue, the book explores how and why these people seek to influence policymaking. It also recognises that criminal policy differs from other areas of public policy, as policy decisions affect the liberty and freedoms of citizens. Throughout, key ideas and debates are linked to wider sociology, criminology and social policy theory. Key features include: a foreword by Tim Newburn, leading criminologist and author of Criminology (2nd Edition, 2013), a critical and informed analysis of the concepts, ideas and institutional practices that shape criminal justice policy making, an exploration of the relationship between criminal justice and wider social policy, a critical analysis of the debate about how and why behaviour becomes defined as requiring a criminal justice solution, a range of case studies, tasks, seminar questions and suggested further readings to keep the student engaged. This text is perfect for students taking modules in criminology; criminal justice; and social and public policy, as well as those taking courses on criminal and administrative law. Review ‘How does criminal justice policy get made? More importantly, who has the greatest influence? ... and how? … and why? This book critically explores the making and breaking of criminal justice policy, showing just how political criminal justice policy making can be. In a number of striking case studies the book explores who pulls the strings, who holds the purse, who shouts the loudest and whether this is what really makes the difference. The book is a particularly useful addition to criminal justice studies and criminology, drawing upon the insights of policy studies to explain how laws get made, while comprising plenty of useful activities to develop in the classroom.’ - Peter Squires, Professor of Criminology & Public Policy, University of Brighton, UK 'A fresh, original and highly stimulating approach to the study of criminal justice policy.' - Professor Emeritus David Downes, Mannheim Centre, LSE, UK ‘Many practising and academic criminal lawyers complain frequently about the never-ending stream of criminal justice legislation, as they would complain about the weather. The Making of Criminal Justice Policy goes far beyond a critique of the final form and content of legislation. It explains in social, economic and political terms how the policies emerge which ultimately cash out in terms of the legislation that we have. Lawyers, as well as criminologists, should read this book and be educated by it in the fullest sense of that term.’ - Bob Sullivan, Professor of Criminal Law, University of Sussex; emeritus Professor of Law, University College, London, UK ‘Most scholars and researchers accept that the definition and punishment of certain acts as crime is an intrinsically social and political process. Yet there is a dearth of useful accounts or books on how this process unfolds through policy and its effects across the full range of criminal justice institutions. Furthermore, too many students are taught about crime through a fragmented study of offences, theories and methods and then remain bewildered about the criminological big picture. In filling these gaps, this is a s