Understanding Justice: An Introduction to Ideas, Perspectives and Controversies in Modern Penal Theory (Crime & Justice S.) - Softcover

Hudson, Barbara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0335193293 ISBN 13: 9780335193295

Publisher: Open University Press, 1996

Synopsis

"Understanding justice" is one of a series of student textbooks designed to cover the major areas of debate within the fields of criminology, criminal justice and penology. It provides a comprehensive account of the ideas and controversies that have arisen within law, philosophy, sociology and criminology about the punishment of criminals. Written in a clear, accessible style, it summarises major philosophical ideas - retribution, rehabilitations, incapacitation - and discusses their strengths and weaknesses. The sociological perspectives of Durkheim, the Marxists, Foucault and their contemporary followers are analyzed and assessed. A section on the criminological perspective on punishment looks at the influence of theory on penal policy, and at the impact of penal ideologies on those on whom punishment is inflicted. The contributions of feminist theorists, and the challenges that pose to masculinist accounts of punishment, are included. The concluding chapter presents critiques of the very idea of punishment, and looks at contemporary proposals which could make society's response to crime less dependent on punishment than at present.

About this title

Review

"Those who read this excellent book will have a firm foundation on which to debate the subject of punishment and formulate theirown views." - The Criminologist "It is the author's ability to build bridges between different theories, and between theories and their practical implications, that makes the book readable, stimulating and relevant for practitioners, academics andstudents alike, and ensures that it will be frequently used for many years by a wide range of readers." - British Journal of Social Work

About the Author

Barbara Hudson is Professor at the Lancashire Law School, University of Central Lancashire. She teaches penology on courses in law and criminology, and has researched and written extensively on criminal justice topics. Previously published works include Justice through Punishment: a Critique of the 'Justice' Model of Corrections (1987), Penal Policy and Social Justice (1993), and Racism and Criminology (1993, edited with Dee Cook).

Edition details

• Publisher: Open University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0335193293
• ISBN 13: 9780335193295
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192