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Law for Criminologists
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Law for Criminologists
A Practical Guide



November 2008 | 240 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

'This book is a triumph in its clarity, scholarship and sheer scope. It is increasingly vital that criminologists understand crime and the criminal justice system in depth, and Ursula Smartt unmasks the mysteries and lays bare the complexities of law like few other writers on the subject. This is the book on criminal law that should be on the shelf of everyone connected to the criminal law'

- Baroness Helena Kennedy QC

'Law for Criminologists is a timely and concise introduction for those in criminology and law. Combining accessibility and scholarship, it will be welcomed by students and lecturers alike'

- Dr Azrini Wahidin, Reader and Programme Director for Criminology, Queen's University Belfast

'Highly informative, comprehensive and reader-friendly - this groundbreaking book is essential reading for all who are engaged in the study of criminology'

- Peter Joyce, Manchester Metropolitan University

This practical guide introduces students to the basic principles of the law, enabling a comprehensive understanding of criminology and criminal justice.

Law for Criminologists will enthuse the student and teacher about the law whilst giving sound advice on how to achieve a thorough comprehension of the topic. Striking a much-needed balance between essential law for criminologists, and commentary on current legal issues, this book provides the reader with a full understanding of:

" the workings of the law in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

" the European Union legal frameworks

" the law of evidence and the criminal process

" punishment and sentencing

" human rights issues

" the differences between youth justice and adult criminal legislation

" how to undertake independent legal research and further reading in the discipline.

Packed with extensive learning aids including case studies, boxed notes, sample examination questions, appendices of statutes and cases and a comprehensive glossary, this book is vital for all students in criminology and criminal justice. As well as an extensive foreword by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC.

 
Introduction
 
What Determines a Criminal Today?
 
The Legal System of England and Wales
 
The Legal Systems of Scotland and Northern Ireland
 
European Union law and EU law enforcement
 
Essential Criminal Law
 
The Criminal Process
 
Punishment and Sentencing
 
Human Rights Legislation
 
Young People and the Law

Law for Criminologists combines accessibility and scholarship. It is concise and informative for introductory students in criminology and law. This book offers a timely introduction to the discipline of criminology and it is truly a student- friendly book with useful case studies and revision questions that will be welcomed by students and lecturers alike.

Dr Azrini Wahidin is a Reader and Programme Director for Criminology at Queen’s University Belfast.


Easy to read for students.

Miss Sam Shepley
Law, Oldham College
October 4, 2022

Very good for Access to Law and Criminology. Extremely well written and student friendly.

Miss Sam Shepley
Law, Oldham College
June 28, 2019

This book is essential for those studying public services and criminology based courses. I have placed this book on the recommended reading list for learners.

Miss Amy Alexandra Capper
access, Warrington Collegiate
February 10, 2016

This book provides a clear and detailed explanation of the workings of the Criminal Justice System with a clear bridge between Criminology ,Public Law, Related Legal Systems and how this impacts on professinal practice
It reflects detailed information that all practicioners, students and teachers should be aware of and is written in a clear ,interesting ,informative and engaging style that can only remove barriers to learning and improve the readers understanding of how the Criminal Justice System works in practice -a must for lecturers and students who hope to use there knowlege in the wider professional context

Mr John Rotherham
Department of Health & Social Care, St Helens College
August 19, 2014

This is an excellent introduction and concise treatment of criminal law and key legal concepts, the criminal justice system and its processes, youth justice, and punishment and sentencing, including HRA. I've recommended it to all my students as a valuable buy. Smartt provides an easily digestible introductory text to whet the appetite for our module and to provide pathways to further study.

Mr Kris Christmann
Centre of Applied Criminology, Huddersfield University
January 26, 2014

This is a very useful text but it is more of a general reference book that would be useful for any law student, not just those wishing to specialising in criminology. The title is, in this regard, a little misleading. The content is well written and easy to follow; it would suit A-level to level 4 law students particularly and any other as reference material

Ms Wendy Ambrose-butterfield
Public Services, Duchy College
December 13, 2013

The book is a nice and comprehensive overview of criminal justice and it uses some good case examples.

Dr Fiona Wadie
Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, Portsmouth University
March 1, 2013

Well written with a style suitable for the target audience.

Ms Mandy Ross
Suffolk School of Social Sciences, University Campus Suffolk
January 21, 2013

This is an essential text for any criminology students wanting to explore the legalities of the Criminal Justice System. Very informative, highly detailed, concise and well written, this text will be well used within our course

Miss Laura Firth
Public Services, Runshaw College
July 5, 2012

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One PDF


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Paperback
ISBN: 9781412945707
£39.99

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781412945691
£122.00

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