犯罪とそれに対する刑罰のみならず、警察活動や量刑の判断、刑務所収容などまで、広い範囲を主管する刑事司法制度。その主な目的や世界での運用について、最新の調査をもとに明らかにします。英米法の対審構造に注目し、禁錮刑の行使、極刑がもたらす影響、量刑手続きの意義などの個別のテーマを検討するほか、刑事司法における被害者の役割や、世間一般が持つ知識や考え方まで盛り込み、刑事司法制度について批判的に評価します。
 

• Explores all aspects of the criminal justice system, from the crime itself to the courthouse, to prison and the victims of crime
• Uses a number of cases to illustrate the important elements of criminal justice
• Draws upon the latest research findings from around the world

 
The criminal justice system is wide ranging; from the crimes themselves and policing to the sentencing of offenders and prisons. In this Very Short Introduction Julian V. Roberts draws upon the latest research and current practices from a number of different countries around the world. Focusing on the adversarial model of justice found in common law countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, he discusses topics such as the uses of imprisonment, the effects of capital punishment, and the purposes of sentencing. Considering the role of the victim throughout the criminal justice system, as well as public knowledge and attitudes towards criminal justice, Roberts critically assesses the way in which the system functions and its importance around the world.