Responses to Crime. Volume 4. Dispensing Justice.

-Oxford University Press, 2001-. First edition. xvii+318 pages with index. Cloth. Fine in like dustjacket. The prevalence of criminal offending in England and Wales, its causes, the harms that result, and what can be done to counter it, have been in the forefront of public policy concerns throughout the second half of the 20th century. The differing ways in which successive governments and policy-makers have responded has been the theme of Lord Windlesham's four volumes on "Responses to Crime". In this final part of his survey, covering the closing years of the 20th century, the author analyzes how the dominant influence of public opinion, systematically measured, evaluated, and translated into policy decisions, interacted with a trend towards retribution and a harsher penal climate. Despite the relief afforded by electronically monitored early release the numbers in prison rose to record levels, with consequent failures to achieve targets relating to conditions and treatment. Since the 1997 General Election New Labour's modernizing mission has led to far-reaching managerial and structural reforms in the process of justice. Responses to Crime. Volume 4. Dispensing Justice. oxbridge 0198298447