Crime and criminal justice in Europe

Book abstract:

This book aims to provide a succinct overview of European crime problems and crime policies. It covers a vast array of issues, such as the crime picture in Europe, the prevention of criminality, the operation of criminal-justice agencies such as the police and the prosecution and the complex area of punishment and the treatment of offenders. It also brings attention to trends in criminal legislation and the protection of the legitimate interests of victims.

The fourteen authors of this volume are all experts in the field of crime policy, with particular interest in comparative studies. A comparison of trends in crime in the first chapter, drawing on both police figures and crime survey data, serves to set the scene for the rest of the book.

The chapters are: Trends in criminality; Towards 'restorative justice': victimisation, victim support and trends in criminal justice; Crime prevention in Europe; Emerging issues and new patterns of criminal legislation; Policing the new Europe; The prosecution process and the (changing) role of the prosecutor; Sentencing; Community sanctions and measures in Europe: a promising challenge or a disappointing Utopia?; Prisons in Europe; Conclusion - where do we go from here?

The book is written for both the general public interested in crime issues as well as practitioners of crime policy, legislators, politicians, members of the law, researchers and academics looking for information on European thinking in this area. The book answers many of the questions concerning crime policy and procedure which the general reader is likely to ask.