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All the editors and contributors to this book are members of The University of Birmingham''s ''Community and Criminal Justice Group'' (BCCJ Group). Drawing on the different disciplines of Law, criminology, forensic psychology, social work and public management, they explore the shifts and progress made in criminal justice in England and Wales over the past two decades and highlight the possibilities and pitfalls for the future. The overarching theme of the book is the balance between the role of central government in creating and shaping the regulatory framework of criminal justice and the potential for communities at local level to become more involved and to exercise more responsibility for themselves in responding to crime and anti-social behaviour in their midst. These twin dynamics are explored in the two main sections of the book. In Part I (The Regulatory State) through a series of case-studies, the authors examine how the central state has sought to address the risks and problems associated with crime and anti-social behaviour in modern times. They consider the new context for Law and order which arose during the period under consideration and ask how and why new sanctions were put in place to regulate particular kinds of behaviour. They also highlight some of the unintended consequences, notably the criminalisation of more people. Then in Part II (Empowered Communities as Stakeholders in Criminal Justice) the book explores the potential for local communities playing a greater role in addressing the problems of crime and anti-social behaviour in their own neighbourhoods. In this section of the book the authors also consider the prospects for crime reduction through a more ''localist'' approach in which citizens and communities play a more active part in a ''big society''. The book provides a timely and topical stock-taking of key issues and challenges within criminal justice. Through an exploration of the relative strengths and limitations of ''centrist'' and ''localist'' approaches to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, it also offers a prescription of principles and priorities for a way forward.

Written by two of the UK’s leading experts on the Law of homicide. Contains new information and analysis.Suggests a radical new solution to the ‘mess’ which English homicide Law has become.In this powerful account, the authors show that—from Sir Edward Coke’s classic common Law definition of murder, through political fixes, poorly thought-out compromises and misguided legislative or Executive tinkering—the English Law of homicide is in ‘a mess’. Even the most adept legal minds are faced with what has been described in Parliament as ‘fine lines and distinctions’. What must juries make of messy Laws and how can anyone have confidence in criminal justice if Laws affecting some of the most serious offences in the criminal calendar are deeply fLawed? To make matters worse, the entire subject of homicide in England and Wales is further distorted by the existence of the mandatory life sentence for murder.Building on unrivalled knowledge, extensive research, close practical observation and incisive analysis, Professor Terence Morris and Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC trace the development of the Law of homicide from early times to the present day. They counter and dismantle specious arguments for preserving the status quo and point out that only root and branch reform of the basis of liability for homicide and its sentencing regime will serve to restore justice, fairness and political probity. Professor Terence Morris and Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC are two of the UK’s leading experts on the Law of homicide, having studied developments together for over 50 years. This has led them to recognise the extent of disquiet, especially following ‘particularly troubling cases’ and to conclude that the Law of homicide in England and Wales is ‘an unsatisfactory Law enveloped in a political fix’. Their suggestion of a replacement single offence of criminal homicide coupled with abolition of the mandatory life sentence for murder in favour of discretion at the sentencing stage demands close study by judges, Lawyers, legislators, academics, penal reformers and anyone who senses that something is seriously amiss.''This is no dry legal tome. The authors present their case in a bracing, persuasive and highly readable way... This is an important and stimulating work that should engage not just the legal practitioner, politician or Law student but anyone concerned with our justice system or puzzled by the conduct and outcome of a murder trial'': guardian.co.uk''Fine Lines and Distinctions prompted me to pay more attention to and reflect further on those who have killed. Though its primary focus is the Law - specifically a potentially significant improvement to the Law - I also warmly recommend it to anyone interested in lifers'': Independent Monitor''This timely, provocative and certainly topical book puts forward a closely argued and well supported case for encouraging "a root and branch reform of the Law of homicide" ... [and] provides ample evidence and ammunition to those who would agree that such a reform should be put in place as a matter of urgency'': by Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers.

As featured on the BBC Radio 2 Jeremy Vine Show. David Wilson is one of the 1st’s best-known and most innovative criminologists. An ‘insider’ view of the construction of a news agenda for crime and punishment.This superb read from Professor David Wilson looks at how the “news” agenda for crime and punishment is constructed. It also contains analysis of media stereotypes, narratives and depictions together with insights connecting these to real life.Media portrayals set the agenda for public discourse and popular debate. Academics in their ‘ivory towers’, professionals and other crime experts ignore this at the risk of seeing their more informed understandings side lined.The book builds on the author’s experiences of covering high profile cases and populist issues for TV, radio, newspapers and other media. It also contains telling inside accounts of police-media relations at murder scenes in Gloucester, Soham, Whitehaven, Rothbury and Ipswich. A must in grasping the equally ‘hot topic’ of Public CriminologyWith a Foreword by the award-winning investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre.

A rare first-hand account of disaffected youth. Contains countless lessons for young people who might be attracted to crime (and anyone involved with them socially or professionally). Aged just fourteen and using the name ‘Sevens’, the author went from being a bullied child to leader of the Warriorz, a group of London street kids involved in graffiti-tagging and other crimes including a series of violent encounters. Eventually given a substantial custodial sentence for an attack with a meat cleaver on the London Underground, Justin Rollins became determined to steer other young people away from such a life. The Lost Boyz tells the story of his descent into a form of madness in which self-destruction, anger, wanton behaviour and fear lie at the core. Not before has a book taken the reader so far inside the minds of troubled youths as the author and his companions—some of whom did not survive or also ended up in prison—gradually realise that there is no easy escape from their chaotic lifestyle. Their need to gain respect from and stay credible with each other stems from offending, alienation, living on the margins of society and crazy behaviour—all of which serve as barriers to rejoining the normal world and going straight. The book contains countless lessons for young people who might be attracted to crime just as it does for anyone interested in youth offending, gang culture, criminology, mental health issues or that period of modern English social History when the unofficial decoration of walls, fences, trains and buses became a telling symbol of disaffected youth.

An account of the Lawyers who helped — over centuries — to develop and protect civil liberties, human rights and the Rule of Law. Also discusses breaches of the Rule of Law in modern cases and in response to terrorism.Champions of the Rule of Law looks at an overarching principle of English Law. It describes how a powerful and fundamental rule came about and how it has been preserved in the face of attempts to circumvent it. Standing at the heart of all matters of justice — and now exported to many parts of the world — the Rule of Law holds, in short, that the Law applies in equal measure to everyone. No matter how high, mighty or privileged someone may be, or whatever claim or allegation is being made, all those coming before it should always be treated in just the same way as anyone else will be.Events in both modern times and across legal History readily demonstrate the sometimes precarious nature of the rule and the need for ‘champions’ who are prepared to uphold and defend it—and whilst the need for such a rule may seem obvious on any balanced view of how justice should be dispensed, the central importance of the rule is by no means intuitive to some people. This means that there is always a need to re-iterate the purpose of the rule, the arguments behind it and to understand the mechanisms which safeguard and protect it.Whenever the Rule of Law does fall under threat, whether due to arrogance, claims to special treatment, misguided understandings, dubious explanations or lack of due process, there is a need for people of the calibre of those described in this book to step forward.Quite apart from the book’s interest for Lawyers, historians and students it will appeal to anyone seeking reassurance that justice is truly blind, fair, even-handed and accessible to all.With a Foreword by Lord Steyn.

Looks at Howard’s immense achievements and his fascinating life and sheds new light on what drove the UK’s most famous prison reformer. A key work in social and penal History. In modern times John Howard (1726-1790) is perhaps best known as the man after whom the UK’s oldest penal reform charity, the Howard League, is named. Tessa West’s book breaks fresh ground by looking at both Howard’s legacy in terms of reform as well as his fascinating character. Based on extensive research in the UK and abroad, it provides a vivid picture of his life’s work which will be invaluable in understanding why prisons and imprisonment demand constant scrutiny. John Howard’s curiosity about prisons goes without saying, as his own writings show, including his iconic The State of the Prisons (to use the shortened title). As a self-appointed inspector of prisons — and the first to carry out such a task — Howard would knock on the door of penal establishments, mostly unannounced. Once inside he would observe, listen and make copious records of events and conditions behind prison walls. And he was a curious individual altogether. Amongst the diverse epithets applied to him are: extraordinary, indefatigable, eccentric, benevolent, solid, selfless, charismatic, intense, obsessive, energetic, modest — and above all singular. Forever concerned with minutiae, not without friends but lacking close social contacts, the workaholic Howard frequently travelled alone and in dangerous places for months on end. Always restless and forever retracing his steps, he was equally at home in Russia, Germany, Holland and other foreign parts as he was pursuing his carefully planned routines in places such as Bedford, Warrington, Cambridge or London.Wherever he went the perfectionist John Howard brought his influence, genius and reputation to bear seeking to improve prisons and other institutions — and as this book shows he deserves to be remembered as a far greater figure in social History than many people might suspect. ''One of the most extraordinary men this age can show'': Jeremy Bentham. ''One of the greatest men in Europe'': John Wesley.

Becka & the Big Bubble is a Children’s Rhyming Picture Book Series about an adventurous girl named BECKA who explores a new city/country in each book. At the beginning, Becka blows a big bubble that magically whisks her away. Her best friend Ben cheers her on and often climbs aboard. Together they journey to a new land where the bubble POPS! They explore, meet people, see sights, try new things, and find a bubble ride home to her loving family. “Becka goes to Boston”In her 8th Adventure: Becka and Ben fly over Cape Cod and POP into a tea party! Add in some seafood, Faneuil Hall, a crazy marathon and we just might find a bubble ride home by cruising down freedom trail!

Becka & the Big Bubble is a Children’s Rhyming Picture Book Series about an adventurous girl named BECKA who explores a new city/country in each book. At the beginning, Becka blows a big bubble that magically whisks her away. Her best friend Ben cheers her on and often climbs aboard. Together they journey to a new land where the bubble POPS! They explore, meet people, see sights, try new things, and find a bubble ride home to her loving family. “Becka goes to New York City”In her 7th Adventure: Becka and Ben fly on past the US Open and POP! Eye candy in time square, huge toy stores, central park, and a sea of people in the subway that lead them to Lady Liberty for a lesson in independence – go USA!