The book is divided into two parts, which address the two essential bases that form the discipline of criminology. Part One describes, discusses and evaluates a range of theoretical approaches that have offered explanations for crime, drawing upon contributions from the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and biology. It then goes on to apply these theories to specific forms of criminality. Part Two offers an accessible but detailed review of the major philosophical aims and sociological theories of punishment, and examines the main areas of the contemporary criminal justice system – including the police, the courts and judiciary, prisons, and more recent approaches to punishment.

Presenting a clear and thorough review of theoretical thinking on crime, and of the context and current workings of the criminal justice system, this book provides students with an excellent grounding in the study of criminology.