Sentencing and Punishment: The Quest for Justice - Softcover

This third edition of Sentencing and Punishment provides an updated, succint and penetrating account of theoretical, legal and policy-related developments since the second edition as well as covering some of the ground of earlier editions. The change in government from Labour to a Coalition Government in 2010, the August 2011 riots, and the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill have all prompted vigorous debate about criminal justice, as has the continued high use of imprisonment. This is an informative, authoritative and lively account of sentencing and punishment - essential reading for anyone interested in the creation and delivery of justice. (Loraine Gelsthorpe, Professor of Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Cambridge)

Piper and Easton's sentencing text provides a timely and interesting addition to the scholarly literature on sentencing in England and Wales...an important resource for students in general criminal justice or penology courses with a component on sentencing. (The Howard League for Penal Reform Network Bulletin)

For anyone studying (or interested in) criminal justice, Sentencing and Punishment: The Quest for Justice is a well-written and accessible text which provides excellent value for money...Its popularity will no doubt continue with this latest edition of this important text on two important topics of sentencing and punishment. (The Student Law Journal)

Review from previous edition A well-written and accessible text which provides excellent value for money. (The Student Law Journal, December 2005)

(A) stimulating account of the role of sentencing law and penal policy in England and Wales. (The Student Law Journal, December 2005)

In addition to being an invaluable guide to those attempting to navigate the complex surface of current penal policy, the book should also stimulate fresh perspectives amongst those familiar with the topography of the current penal terrain. (Howard Journal, 2006)

This innovative text provides an accessible account of recent developments in sentencing and punishment from the standpoint of penal theories, policy aims, punishment practice and human rights. It reviews - from philosophical, legal and practical perspectives - changing ideas as to what counts as 'just' punishment, and provides an integrated discussion of the law and legitimacy of the process of calculating and implementing punishment.

Sentencing and Punishment covers the key themes and topics studied on sentencing and punishment courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It explains and evaluates recent and proposed changes in penal policy and sentencing practice and gives a detailed account of punishment in custody and the community.

The book is accompanied by an Online Resource Centre featuring:
- Updates on case law, new legislation and key developments
- Further reading suggestions for each chapter of the book
- Guidance on answering end of chapter questions