Comparative Criminal Justice

Reviews / Votes

"A comprehensive and well-written text about criminal justice around the world. Broad and thematic in its approach, highlighting diversity of criminal justice systems, with a critical eye towards learning from others and changing criminal justice for the better."

Helgi Gunnlaugsson, Professor of Criminology, University of Iceland

"Comparative scholarship in criminology and criminal justice is of great and arguably growing importance. The new edition of Frances Pakes' excellent book takes the reader through all the main issues in the field and illustrates the arguments with thoughtful use of contemporary research. A must read for all academics and students interested in the subject."

Tim Newburn, Professor of Criminology and Social Policy, London School of Economics

"In Comparative Criminal Justice, Fourth Edition, the author contextualizes comparative criminal justice for an increasingly globalized world. Rather than opting for a country case study approach, Pakes introduces comparative study thematically, including discussions of methods and theory. The author also moves beyond the narrow discussion of substantive differences in conventional crime found in many comparative texts by exploring the diversity in procedural arrangements in theory and practice across the world. One of the primary strengths of the textbook for undergraduate students is a critical examination of the role of the state apparatus in criminal justice arrangements. An additional strength of this comparative text over others is the inclusion of contemporary global issues such as environmental crime and international justice mechanisms. The organization of the textbook lends itself to a thorough, but concise, exploration of all the key themes in comparative criminal justice and is suitable for undergraduates at all levels."

Taimi Castle, Associate Professor of Justice Studies, James Madison University

"Loyal readers of Francis Pakes' Comparative Criminal Justice have been eagerly awaiting this edition. The new text builds on the strengths of previous versions, while updating and reflecting in new ways on many important issues. The book is ideal for instructors in advanced undergraduate courses seeking to introduce students to criminal justice outside their home countries."

Matthew Light, Associate Professor of Criminology, University of Toronto

"Pakes' Comparative Criminal Justice has become a classic in comparative criminology by now. With new chapters on the death penalty and green criminology, this fourth edition will again motivate students of different levels to cross all possible borders."

Miranda Boone, Professor of Criminology and Comparative Penology, Leiden University