Description

How does the law define crime, and how does its viewpoint compare with that of the social sciences? Law and Crime guides readers through the complex legal, philosophical, and criminological debates around crime and criminal responsibility. It uses a thematic approach to comprehensively explore the relationship between criminal conduct, criminal justice, and the law.

The book introduces key topics in law for criminologists and other social scientists, including:

Historical overview of the development of criminal law institutions
Criminalization
Fault and criminal responsibility
Corporate crime and crimes of the powerful
The production of criminal guilt
The nature of judicial punishment
How criminal law is applied in cases of genocide, mass violence, torture and other violations of human rights

Aimed at students with no prior knowledge of law, the book includes many useful features to enhance understanding, from chapter overviews and key terms to study questions and suggestions for further reading. It is essential reading for students and academics in criminology, criminal justice, and law.