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Criminology, Crime and Justice in Ireland

An Introduction

Kevin Sweeney author Fiona Donson author Maggie O'Neill author Orla Lynch author James Windle author James Cuffe author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:11th Oct '22

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

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Criminology, Crime and Justice in Ireland cover

This book offers an accessible and comprehensive introduction to criminology in Ireland. Logically structured and clearly written, this book explores theory and empirical research through real-life examples from an Irish context. Engaging and challenging, this book encourages critical thinking about, and understanding of, crime and crime control in Ireland, North and South.

The book covers the canon of criminological theory, from classical and psychological approaches right through to the contemporary. It offers an overview of the Irish criminal justice system, including the police, prisons and alternatives to punishment. It covers key criminological themes such as victims and victimology, gender, the drug trade and its regulation, terrorism and political violence, and desistance and the life course. Key features include:

  • Critical assessment of key criminological theories, which are later woven into discussions of key thematic areas
  • Case studies of historical and contemporary Irish events, including the Magdalene Laundries, gangland feuds and the decriminalisation of drugs
  • Extensive reading lists of key academic texts and relevant Irish literature, movies, music and art

This book is the only comprehensive criminology textbook specifically designed for the Irish undergraduate curriculum. It is essential reading for all criminology students in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and will also be of interest to postgraduates and academics looking for an overview of Irish Criminology.

At last, a textbook that applies criminological theory to crime and social harm in Ireland. From the Mertonian 'Irish Dream' to the Dublin, Cork or Limerick ‘hard man’, this accessible text is packed full of practical examples and critical thinking exercises. Essential reading for all Irish criminology students.

Professor Claire Hamilton, Maynooth University

The best sign that Irish criminology has truly come of age is that our first-ever criminology textbook is of such remarkably high quality. Packed with insight and evidence, this is a perfect introduction to the discipline – wherever one lives in the world.

Shadd Maruna, Professor of Criminology, Queen’s University Belfast

Criminology in Ireland has been something of a late bloomer. But as this wide-ranging and stimulating text shows, it is now a mature and vibrant discipline, poised to engage critically with a range of theoretical perspectives and to influence the worlds of policy and practice. Exciting times ahead!

Professor Ian O’Donnell, University College Dublin


At last, a textbook that applies criminological theory to crime and social harm in Ireland. From the Mertonian 'Irish Dream' to the Dublin, Cork or Limerick ‘hard man’, this accessible text is packed full of practical examples and critical thinking exercises. Essential reading for all Irish criminology students.

Professor Claire Hamilton, Maynooth University

The best sign that Irish criminology has truly come of age is that our first-ever criminology textbook is of such remarkably high quality. Packed with insight and evidence, this is a perfect introduction to the discipline – wherever one lives in the world.

Shadd Maruna, Professor of Criminology, Queen’s University Belfast

Criminology in Ireland has been something of a late bloomer. But as this wide-ranging and stimulating text shows, it is now a mature and vibrant discipline, poised to engage critically with a range of theoretical perspectives and to influence the worlds of policy and practice. Exciting times ahead!

Professor Ian O’Donnell, University College Dublin

This book represents an important contribution to the development of criminology in Ireland. It provides an accessible overview of key criminological theories and considers their applicability to the Irish context. Readers will find a rich resource in this key text.

Professor Nicola Carr, University of Nottingham

ISBN: 9780367490621

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 740g

280 pages