Privatising Justice: The Security Industry, War and Crime Control

A powerful petition against the privatisation of the criminal justice system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2020
Publisher: Pluto Press

Privatising Justice delves into a comprehensive historical examination of the private sector's involvement in the British state,spanning from the eighteenth century's era of private policing and mercenaries to the contemporary emergence of the private security industry in armed conflicts, policing, and the penal system. The authors argue that the decline of what they refer to as "old privatisation" can be attributed to the growth of the welfare state. However, the transition from welfare to neoliberalism has paved the way for the resurgence of the private sector. The expansion of private military, policing, and penal systems is situated within the broader global transformations wrought by neoliberalism, which foreshadows a dystopian future.

This book serves as a fervent plea for reversing the ongoing privatisation of the state and the neoliberal ideology that underpins it. It sheds light on the detrimental consequences of privatising essential services and highlights the need for a return to public control and accountability. Through insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Privatising Justice encourages readers to critically examine the implications of privatisation and advocate for a more equitable and sustainable society.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 135 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745399232