Historical Perspectives on Criminal Justice (06/11/06)

An historical view on criminal justice debates and policies is taken in the latest edition of Criminal Justice Matters, the quarterly magazine of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies at King's College, London.

Edited by Professor Rod Morgan, Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, the magazine takes a look back at issues relating to crime and justice. Writing in a personal capacity Professor Morgan states 'I more and more take refuge in historical reflection, not least because so much contemporary discussion of crime and criminal justice is narrowly sound-bite, short-termist, promising a quick fix where a better informed collective memory would suggest that there is none to be had'.

Reflecting on his time as Home Secretary, the former Conservative leader, Michael Howard argues that improving confidence in the criminal justice system 'will not be achieved by chasing headlines or by concentrating on eye catching initiatives'. He goes on to highlight 'there are very few dark corners in the Home Office. So any mistakes are likely to hit the headlines. There is nothing any Home Secretary can do about this'.

In another article about youth crime the continuities between the past and present activities of youth gangs and street violence are highlighted. Drawing on his research Professor Geoffrey Pearson argues that there is a 'profound historical amnesia'. He states: '...what is wrong with government and media responses to youth crime and anti-social behaviour is its emphasis on the unprecedented nature of the problem, while losing its grip on the actual social and historical background'.

The magazine also includes an examination of violent crime in England over the last 200 years. Professor Clive Emsley notes that 'a study of the history of crime suggests that there are many recurrent patterns within violent crime while supposed new panics and new policies often resemble well worn retreads'.

Copies of articles in the latest edition of CJM, are available from or on the CCJS website, www.kcl.ac.uk/ccjs

Richard Garside, acting director of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies which publishes Criminal Justice Matters, said:

The modern criminal justice system is the result of historical processes spanning decades, if not centuries. This new issue of CJM Magazine shows why an understanding of these processes is essential for anyone interested in current criminal justice policy.'

For further information please contact:

Notes to editors:

  1. Criminal Justice Matters is the quarterly magazine of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, an independent charity based at King's College. The views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies.
  2. The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies is an independent charity based at King's College London. It was established in 1931 and aims to inform and educate about all aspects of crime and the criminal justice system from an objective standpoint. It encourages and facilitates healthy debate and understanding of the complex nature of issues concerning crime.
  3. The latest edition of CJM marks the 75th year of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies which grew out of the Association for the Scientific Treatment of Criminals established in July 1931.
  4. The full list of articles is as follows: 
    EDITORIAL - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES 

Rod Morgan puts this issue in context. 

CRIME, PUNISHMENT AND POLITICS 

David Faulkner describes how criminal justice systems have been
shaped by the changing attitudes of the age. 

DISTURBING CONTINUITIES: 'PEAKY BLINDERS' TO 'HOODIES' 

Youth gangs and street violence are not a new phenomenon, says
Geoffrey Pearson. 

FAIR FIGHTS AND CUT-THROATS

Clive Emsley surveys the cultural history of 'hard man' violence
in Britain. 

ANY PROGRESS ON PRISONS? 

Frances Crook puts penal policy reform in historic context. 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CRIMINOLOGY 

Ben Bowling and James Ross on the evolution of an academic discipline. 

AN ALIEN PROBLEM? CRIMINALITY AND IMMIGRATION    

Tony Kushner describes how successive communities of 'outsiders'
have been labelled, and libelled, as criminal. 

SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES 

Helen Reeves reviews the emergence of victims policy over the past 30 years. 

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: WHAT'S THAT THEN?

Debra Clothier describes the pitfalls encountered over the
long-term in promoting restorative justice. 

TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE, STAY THE COURSE 

Michael Howard, a former Home Secretary, gives his perspective 
of what it takes to make the criminal justice system effective. 

A FORCE DIVIDED 

Philip Rawlings on the development of the role of the detective
in the police force. 

PLUS ÇA CHANGE: THE SEARCH

FOR POLICE REFORM 

Barrie Irving charts the recent development in research and theory
about policing methods. 

THE PROBATION SERVICE IN ENGLAND AND WALES: MODERNISED OR DEHUMANISED 

Peter Raynor describes what has been lost and what could be regained in
probation practice. 

MANAGERIALISM IN THE PROBATION SERVICE: FOR GOOD OR FOR BAD? 

Judy McKnight looks at the impact of central control on the Probation Service. 

SENTENCING: 40 YEARS BACK, 40 YEARS ON 

Judge John Samuels looks at the development of sentencing and its
potential to contribute to improved outcomes. 

BINGE DRINKING: SOME NOT-SO-DRY FACTS 

David Marteau provides a quick tour of drunken disorder through the ages. 

CJM UPDATE 

Enver Solomon reviews recent developments in criminal justice. 

MARKET-BASED JUSTICE? 

Dexter Whitfield examines the increasing 'marketisation' of criminal
justice.
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