Confronting Crime

The book offers an in-depth examination of New Labour's crime policies, particularly focusing on the Halliday Review and related legislation in Confronting Crime.

In Confronting Crime, the author delves into the rationale behind New Labour's commitment to being 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime'. This exploration focuses on various policies and proposals related to punishment, particularly those outlined in significant documents such as the Halliday Review of the Sentencing Framework (2001), the government White Paper Justice for All (2002), and the 2002 Criminal Justice Bill. The book serves as a comprehensive review of the strategies implemented to tackle crime and reform the criminal justice system, which have been central to the government's agenda.

The narrative traces the evolution of Labour's promise from its inception through to the enactment of new legislation aimed at controlling crime. It highlights the government's key priorities in addressing crime and the intricacies of the criminal justice system. The contributors critically analyze the evidence supporting the so-called 'evidence-based policy making' that characterizes these initiatives, raising questions about its effectiveness and practicality.

Confronting Crime also scrutinizes various approaches to dealing with specific offender categories, including drug-dependent individuals, dangerous sex offenders, and nuisance offenders. It addresses crucial issues such as procedural protections in courts, sentencing guidelines, and the impact of racism in sentencing. The book ultimately seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in reducing the prison population and implementing effective sentencing management strategies.