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Criminal Justice

An Introduction

Peter Joyce author Wendy Laverick author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:29th Jul '22

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Criminal Justice cover

This book offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the criminal justice system of England and Wales. Starting with an overview of the main theories of the causes of crime, this book explores and discusses the operation of the main criminal justice agencies including the police, probation and prison services and the legal and youth justice systems. The fourth edition has been revised, updated, expanded and features a new expert co-author.

This book offers a lively and critical discussion of some of the main themes in criminal justice, from policy-making and crime control, to diversity and discrimination, to the global dimensions of criminal justice, including organised crime and the role performed by transnational policing organisations to combat it.

Key updates to this new edition include:

  • increased discussion of the measurement, prevention and detection of crime;
  • a revised chapter on the police which discusses the principle of policing by consent, police methods, power and governance, and the abuse of power;
  • further discussion of pressing contemporary issues in criminal justice, such as privatisation, multi-agency working, community-based criminal justice policy and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the delivery of criminal justice policy;
  • a revised chapter that deals in detail with new and emerging forms of criminality and the response of the UK and global criminal justice system to these developments.

This accessible text is essential reading for students taking introductory courses in criminology and criminal justice. A wide range of useful features include review questions, lists of further reading, timelines of key events and a glossary of key terms.

"Once again Joyce has provided readers with a go-to resource. Laden with critical and imaginative explanation, this fourth edition presents an authoritative account of contemporary criminal justice - theory and practice. Bringing readers up to date with the myriad of changes in policy, measurement techniques, and of course the impact of coronavirus, this text establishes itself as a leading source of reference for scholars, educators, learners and practitioners in the field."

Dr Paul Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Department of Social and Political Science, University of Chester

"Peter Joyce has produced a clear, accessible and comprehensive introductory textbook that is invaluable for all students and teachers of criminology and criminal justice. Covering both the main theories relating to the causes of crime, as well as the workings of the key criminal justice agencies, this book provides an accessible resource for students to read in depth, as well as provide guidance for further studies as their skills and interests progress."

Dr Linda Asquith, Course Leader, BA (Hons) Criminology and Senior Lecturer in Criminology, School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University

"The new edition of Criminal Justice: An Introduction is essential reading for anyone seeking a comprehensive and critical understanding of criminal justice. Peter Joyce unpacks the topic in a lively, incisive manner that is both challenging and accessible to students and lecturers. Highly recommended."

Stephen Case, Professor of Criminology and Director of Studies, Department of Social Sciences, Loughborough University

"This book provides an excellent introduction to the world of Criminal Justice and is a must read for students of Criminology. Its clarity and in-depth understanding and knowledge of the workings of the Criminal Justice system makes it a brilliant starting point for research in the area."

Dr Joshua Skoczylis, Lecturer in Criminology, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lincoln


"Once again Joyce has provided readers with a go-to resource. Laden with critical and imaginative explanation, this fourth edition presents an authoritative account of contemporary criminal justice – theory and practice. Bringing readers up to date with the myriad of changes in policy, measurement techniques, and of course the impact of coronavirus, this text establishes itself as a leading source of reference for scholars, educators, learners and practitioners in the field."

Dr Paul Taylor,Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Department of Social and Political Science, University of Chester

"Peter Joyce has produced a clear, accessible and comprehensive introductory textbook that is invaluable for all students and teachers of criminology and criminal justice. Covering both the main theories relating to the causes of crime, as well as the workings of the key criminal justice agencies, this book provides an accessible resource for students to read in depth, as well as provide guidance for further studies as their skills and interests progress."

Dr Linda Asquith, Course Leader, BA (Hons) Criminology and Senior Lecturer in Criminology, School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University

"The new edition of Criminal Justice: An Introduction is essential reading for anyone seeking a comprehensive and critical understanding of criminal justice. Peter Joyce unpacks the topic in a lively, incisive manner that is both challenging and accessible to students and lecturers. Highly recommended."

Stephen Case, Professor of Criminology and Director of Studies, Department of Social Sciences, Loughborough University

"This book provides an excellent introduction to the world of criminal justice and is a must read for students of criminology. Its clarity and in-depth understanding and knowledge of the workings of the criminal justice system makes it a brilliant starting point for research in the area."

Dr Joshua Skoczylis,Lecturer in Criminology, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lincoln

ISBN: 9780367353001

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 1540g

786 pages

4th edition