This
unusual work by an experienced criminologist challenges the
taken-for-granted status and effects of criminal deterrence theory in
contemporary justice and punishment worldwide. Using the British justice
process as an example, it is a hard-hitting critique of the illusory
and dysfunctional outcomes of basing penal policies upon the presumed
but un-measureable effectiveness of specific and general deterrence in
pursuit of crime control. There are better ways of 'doing justice'
without the collateral damage caused by mass incarceration as a means of
social protection. These are explained in this analysis. This is a book
which every politician should read and internalise, every sentencing
official should carefully consider, and every criminal justice
practitioner should welcome. It is, quite simply, a 'call to arms' for
long-overdue penal reform. [Subject: Criminal Law, Criminology]
