Description: Law and order has become a key issue throughout the world. This book offers a concise yet comprehensive survey of the sources of current problems and concerns about crime. With its focus on current policies, problems and debates this book is an excellent introduction to criminology for students at all levels.
Review Quotes: "A brilliantly clear analysis of the causes of crime and the effects of current crime control policies."
Tribune
"A fascinating and engaging review of the contemporary politics of law and order and a sustained critique of neo-liberalism."
Criminology and Criminal Justice
"In this strong and deeply felt book, Robert Reiner makes the case that both rising crime and the increasingly punitive response to it in many countries are reflections of the larger thrust toward neoliberal economic and social policies around the world. It's a convincing argument, and though Reiner's examples are drawn mainly from the British experience, it is an argument that is very relevant for other countries as well."
New Criminal Law Review
"Reiner reviews a very large body of criminological literature, and his detailed arguments, along with the bibliography he offers, constitute an important source for students and researchers. "
Times Higher Education Supplement
"An unusual but insightful book from an author who's been around long enough to critically comment with authority on the recent evolution of modern crime and crime control."
Surveillance and Society
"An illuminating discussion ... some new thinking is desperately needed, and this book is a good place to start."
Times Literary Supplement
"Reiner is an able guide, and concisely navigates theory, policy, empirical research findings, official records and media reporting to deliver a tightly argued thesis."
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology
"Citizens wanting to separate fact from fiction on the subject of crime control now have the reliable guide that they so badly need. Robert Reiner is Britain's most informed and insightful commentator on law and order and this fact-packed book presents his critical wisdom in prose that is concise, direct, and always entertaining."
David Garland, New York University
"This is a timely, well-organized and coherent treatment of an important topic. It is characterized throughout by the author's trademark ability to distill a large of amount of factual material and criminological theory and research into a lively, thought-provoking and accessible narrative."
Ian Loader, University of Oxford