Criminology: A Very Short Introduction

Crime is a major news topic and affects millions of people worldwide. This Very Short Introduction by Tim Newburn examines how to study trends in crime and use them to inform preventative policy and criminal justice. It discusses the history of the subject, the causes of crime in the developed world, and the relationship between drugs and crime. Newburn also looks at why people stop offending and at both formal and informal responses to crime. He concludes by discussing the role of criminology in crime control and politics and its limits.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Crime is a major global issue that impacts the lives of millions of people, ranging from murder to theft to drug gangs. It has been prominently placed on the public policy agenda worldwide, as governments seek to address and prevent crime. However, measuring crime and evaluating the effectiveness of preventative measures is a complex task. Does the threat of prison deter individuals from reoffending, or would rehabilitation be more constructive? In this Very Short Introduction, Tim Newburn explores these questions and examines how we can study trends in crime to inform preventative policy and criminal justice.

Analysing the history of the subject, Newburn reflects on our understanding of crime and responses to crime in earlier historical periods. He discusses trends in crime in the developed world, exploring the relationship between drugs and crime, analysing what we know about why people stop offending, and looking at both formal and informal responses to crime.

Newburn concludes by discussing the role of criminology in crime control and politics and its limits. He emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and the need for evidence-based policymaking.

The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press offers concise and accessible introductions to a wide range of subjects. These books are written by expert authors who combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make complex topics highly readable and engaging. By exploring the issues surrounding crime and criminal justice, this Very Short Introduction provides valuable insights into this important and complex topic.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 174 x 114 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199643257