Crime, Violence, and Justice in Latin America

This book explores why crime and violence persist in Latin America at extreme levels and why the states have not been able to solve this problem effectively. It examines old and new forms of observing crime, the geographies of urban and rural violence, the transfer of policy knowledge and expertise, and the ever-changing scenario of policy-making and prosecuting crime and homicide. It is an important acquisition for policy makers and academics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the persistent issue of crime and violence in Latin America, exploring why these problems persist and why the states have struggled to effectively address them. Drawing from a diverse range of disciplinary backgrounds, the book brings together a team of regional experts to discuss research-based explanations for some of the most pressing criminal and violent issues affecting the rule of law in the region.

The first chapter examines old and new forms of observing crime and its impact on perpetrators and victimized communities. It explores the various ways in which crime is recorded, analyzed, and understood, including traditional police statistics, victimization surveys, and social media data. The chapter also examines the challenges and limitations of these methods and highlights the need for more comprehensive and nuanced approaches to understanding crime.

The second chapter explores the geographies of urban and rural violence and the complex politics that surround organized criminality. It examines the spatial distribution of crime, the factors that contribute to its emergence and persistence, and the ways in which different actors, including governments, criminal organizations, and community organizations, respond to it. The chapter also explores the role of social inequality, poverty, and marginalization in perpetuating violence and the challenges of addressing these underlying factors.

The third chapter examines how the transfer of policy knowledge and expertise reshapes local security governance and the problems associated with implementing foreign models and paradigms in the Latin American context. It explores the challenges of adapting international best practices to local contexts, the risks and benefits of international cooperation, and the need for a more nuanced and context-specific approach to security governance.

The fourth chapter exposes the ever-changing scenario of policy-making and prosecuting crime and homicide in Latin America. It examines the political, economic, and social factors that influence criminal justice policies and practices, the challenges of building effective criminal justice systems, and the role of civil society organizations in advocating for justice and accountability.

The book concludes by highlighting the need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to addressing crime and violence in Latin America. It emphasizes the importance of investing in education, social development, and economic opportunities, as well as strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights. It also calls for a greater focus on prevention, early intervention, and community-based approaches to crime and violence, as well as the need for international cooperation and support in addressing these issues.

In conclusion, Crime, Violence, and Justice in Latin America is an important contribution to the literature on crime and violence in the region. By bringing together a team of regional experts from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, the book provides new insights and perspectives on what crime and violence mean in the eyes of observers, perpetrators, policymakers, governmental officials, and victims. It is an essential acquisition for policy makers and academics alike, as it offers valuable insights into the complex factors that contribute to crime and violence in Latin America and the challenges associated with addressing them.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032206844