The Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge recently undertook a comprehensive study of the literature on criminal deterrence, concentrating on recent research. The result, published in this book, examines the popular claim that deterrence works. That it works in general terms is beyond dispute, but the claim most favored by law-makers is narrower: that tougher sentences has a direct impact on criminal behavior, limiting the number and severity of offenses committed. This study seeks to discover the truth of that claim. Deterrence is a penal aim, is a broad subject, hence the...

This book is about the principle of proportionality--the principle that a sentence should be proportionate to the seriousness of the offense committed. Although the principle has often been discussed, this book breaks new ground by examining more fully the detailed arguments for the theory and for applying it to a range of situations including young offenders, dangerous offenders and socially deprived offenders. The authors are well known for their previous writings on proportionality theory, and this book broadens the theory to deal with important contemporary issues in crime and punishment....