Crime and Justice, Volume 51: Prisons and Prisoners

Volume 51 of the Crime and Justice series is a thematic volume on Prisons and Prisoners, exploring a range of issues concerning crime, its causes, and its cures. The volume revisits the subject of prisons, focusing on developments in many countries and changing research subjects. While research on inmate subcultures and coping and adaptation has declined, there is still serious scholarly research on prisoners, prisons, and the effects of imprisonment. The essays in the volume offer informed insights into the future of imprisonment and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Volume 51 of the esteemed Crime and Justice series stands as a thematic exploration into the realm of prisons and prisoners, marking a significant milestone since its inception in 1979. This esteemed publication has consistently provided a comprehensive review of the latest international research, offering invaluable expertise to a diverse range of professionals, including sociologists, psychologists, criminal lawyers, justice scholars, and political scientists. The series' unwavering commitment extends to delving into a wide array of issues related to crime, its underlying causes, and potential solutions.

In both the review and the occasional thematic volumes, Crime and Justice adopts an interdisciplinary approach, aiming to address the core challenges within the field of criminology. This particular volume, Volume 51, takes a unique turn by revisiting a predecessor, Prisons (Volume 26, 1999), which was previously edited by series editor Michael Tonry and the late Joan Petersilia.

In Prisons and Prisoners, editors Michael Tonry and Sandra Bucerius have undertaken this endeavor for several compelling reasons. Firstly, in 1999, the majority of scholarly research on prisons and prisoners was primarily focused on developments in Britain and the United States, with much of it being published in English. This research primarily encompassed sociological studies, exploring inmate subcultures and the psychological adaptations prisoners made to their prison lives. Additionally, economists and statisticians sought to quantify the crime-preventive and deterrent effects of imprisonment, employing various methodologies.

However, it is noteworthy that in the year 2022, a significant shift has occurred in the landscape of prison research. Serious scholarly work on prisoners, prisons, and the consequences of imprisonment has been published and is actively underway in numerous countries worldwide. This broader cosmopolitanism is evident in the pages of this volume, as several essays delve into developments beyond Britain and the United States, while others adopt a comparative approach, covering developments across multiple nations.

Furthermore, the subjects of prison research have undergone a remarkable transformation. The focus has expanded beyond the traditional inmate population to encompass various aspects, including the experiences of women prisoners, the impact of technology on prison systems, and the study of prison reform and decarceration efforts. These diverse topics reflect the evolving nature of the field and the urgent need to address the complex challenges faced by prisons and prisoners globally.

In conclusion, Volume 51 of Crime and Justice serves as a testament to the series' enduring commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of criminology. By revisiting the topic of prisons and prisoners and embracing an interdisciplinary approach, this volume contributes to the ongoing dialogue on crime, its causes, and potential remedies. It provides valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics within the criminal justice system and the urgent need for reform and improvement.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226825052