Criminology

Synopsis

1. Newburn's Criminology has established itself as the market leading textbook in the subject for the UK market. Affectionately known by students and instructor as 'the Criminology Bible' (for its size as well as its reputation); it is an accessible and engaging 'one-stop-shop' for a Criminology degree, covering everything topic you will study over three years.
2. Criminology is a flexible resource. It can be used as an introductory text for Criminology, as well as related courses on criminal justice, criminological theory, crime and society, understanding crime and punishment and criminological research methods.
3. Criminology boasts and attractive and now recognizable text design, that sets it apart from its competitors. Review questions guide the student through the book (and are even answered in the website resources) and end-of-chapter exam questions and lists of further reading encourage further study and critical thinking. The textbook is clearly signposted throughout and includes chapter summaries and clear references between chapters.

About the Publisher

Routledge

Routledge is the world's leading academic publisher in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We publish thousands of books and journals each year, serving scholars, instructors, and professional communities worldwide. Our current publishing programme encompasses groundbreaking textbooks and premier, peer-reviewed research in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Built Environment. We have partnered with many of the most influential societies and academic bodies to publish their journals and book series. Readers can access tens of thousands of print and e-books from our extensive catalogue of titles. Routledge is a member of Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Criminology

* Summary: Introduces the field of criminology, its history, and its scope. Discusses different theoretical perspectives and ethical considerations in the study of crime.
* Real example: Discusses the debate between positivist and constructionist perspectives in explaining the causes of crime.

Chapter 2: Historical Perspectives on Crime

* Summary: Explores the historical evolution of crime and criminal behavior from ancient times to the modern era. Examines different societal responses to crime throughout history.
* Real example: Analyzes the evolution of the concept of "deviance" in medieval Europe and the impact of religious beliefs on crime.

Chapter 3: Theoretical Perspectives on Crime

* Summary: Presents major theoretical perspectives in criminology, including biological, psychological, sociological, and economic theories. Assesses strengths and limitations of each perspective.
* Real example: Discusses the social learning theory of crime, which emphasizes the role of socialization in explaining criminal behavior.

Chapter 4: Crime Measurement and Statistics

* Summary: Examines methods for measuring and collecting crime data, including police reports, victim surveys, and self-reporting. Addresses issues of accuracy and reliability.
* Real example: Analyzes the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system in the United States and its limitations in capturing certain types of crime.

Chapter 5: Types of Crime

* Summary: Classifies and describes different types of crime, including violent crimes, property crimes, white-collar crimes, and organized crime.
* Real example: Examines the characteristics and patterns of homicide, including factors that influence its prevalence and geographic distribution.

Chapter 6: Victims of Crime

* Summary: Explores the nature and impact of victimization, focusing on the physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims.
* Real example: Discusses the hidden toll of domestic violence and the challenges victims face in seeking help.

Chapter 7: Criminal Justice System

* Summary: Examines the structure and processes of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, prosecution, defense, the courts, and corrections.
* Real example: Analyzes the impact of pretrial detention on defendants, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Chapter 8: Punishment and Rehabilitation

* Summary: Discusses different approaches to punishment and rehabilitation, including imprisonment, probation, parole, and community supervision.
* Real example: Evaluates the effectiveness of drug courts in reducing recidivism among defendants with substance use disorders.

Chapter 9: Crime Prevention

* Summary: Explores strategies for preventing crime, including situational crime prevention, community policing, and social programs.
* Real example: Examines the effectiveness of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) in reducing property crime in residential areas.

Chapter 10: Contemporary Issues in Criminology

* Summary: Discusses emerging trends and challenges in the field of criminology, such as technology and crime, globalization, and the changing nature of victimization.
* Real example: Analyzes the rise of cybercrime and the difficulties law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting these offenses.