Encyclopedia of Criminology [Hardcover]

J. Mitchell Miller (Editor), Richard A. Wright (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2005

This three-volume work offers a comprehensive review of the pivotal concepts, measures, theories, and practices that comprise criminology and criminal justice.

No longer just a subtopic of sociology, criminology has become an independent academic field of study that incorporates scholarship from numerous disciplines including psychology, political science, behavioral science, law, economics, public health, family studies, social work, and many others. The three-volume Encyclopedia of Criminology presents the latest research as well as the traditional topics which reflect the field's multidisciplinary nature in a single, authoritative reference work.

More than 525 alphabetically arranged entries by the leading authorities in the discipline comprise this definitive, international resource. The pivotal concepts, measures, theories, and practices of the field are addressed with an emphasis on comparative criminology and criminal justice. While the primary focus of the work is on American criminology and contemporary criminal justice in the United States, extensive global coverage of other nations' justice systems is included, and the increasing international nature of crime is explored thoroughly.

Providing the most up-to-date scholarship in addition to the traditional theories on criminology, the Encyclopedia of Criminology is the essential one-stop reference for students and scholars alike to explore the broad expanse of this multidisciplinary field.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Routledge's encyclopedic offering for the discipline of criminology is a worthy addition to the field. Through more than 525 signed essays written by scholars and experts, the encyclopedia presents the latest research in this multidisciplinary field as well as traditional concepts, theories, and issues. It moves beyond the theoretical to address the practicalities of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. All entries include a list of "References and Further Reading" as well as cross-references to related entries. Alphabetical and thematic lists of entries are provided as well as a comprehensive index. The thematic list identifies areas of emphasis: correlates of criminal behavior such as age, gender, and race; concepts in criminal law such as double jeopardy and self-defense; cross-cultural and global systems and trends; history of criminology and of legal and criminal justice traditions (e.g., Ecclesiastical law and justice, Hindu legal traditions); the justice system (Arrest, Parole); ways of measuring crime (Recidivism, Uniform Crime Reports); professional issues (Corrections: careers; Publications in criminal law); prominent figures; theories and types of criminal behavior; and victimization.

Encyclopedia of Criminology is the third multivolume encyclopedic work on this topic to be published in the last three years. Macmillan's Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice (2001) was quickly followed by Sage's Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment (2002). The Sage work concentrates on the field of criminal justice, while criminology is the focus of the other two encyclopedias. While the Macmillan and Routledge sets have many similarities, the Encyclopedia of Criminology is unique in its biographic coverage of figures ranging from Freda Adler to J. Edgar Hoover. It also provides greater international and comparative coverage, with nearly 30 essays on crime and justice in specific countries or regions in addition to essays on topics such as international crime statistics and trends and discussion of the international context in entries such as Appeals and post-trial motions and Bail: right to. Legal traditions, measures of crime, and theories of criminal behavior each receive significantly more attention in Encyclopedia of Criminology, which has twice as many entries as the Macmillan work. On the other hand, entries in the Routledge work are generally of slightly shorter length and have fewer references than comparable entries in the Macmillan title.

Recommended for high-school, college and university, and public libraries, particularly those that do not have the Macmillan encyclopedia. Jan Lewis
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

It gives more space to theories and theoretical perspectives than its competitors... This encyclopedia has merit.
–Library Journal, April 15, 2005

This three-volume reference aims to provide a comprehensive, authoritative review of both traditional and contemporary topics, including theoretical concerns as well as the practicalities of causes, cures, and the justice system..
–Reference & Research Book News, May, 2005

Wright and Miller's encyclopedia deserves a place on the shelf next to it illustrious predecessors... Provides an authoritative, multidisciplinary overview of traditional and contemporary topics in the field... Wright and Miller's editorial decisions are flawless... This is an essential reference source destined to become a standard in the field... Essential.
–Choice, September, 2005

This excellent encyclopedia provides a comprehensive, authoritative survey of the field of criminology. The set is highly recommended for all libraries serving programs in criminal justice or governmental affairs.
–Lawrence Looks at Books, Gale Reference Reviews, September, 2005

The Encyclopedia of Criminology is a highly commendable addition to an increasingly crowded field, with well-written and well-informed entries on the topics addressed. It would seem to be an especially appropriate acquisition for libraries at universities or colleges offering a strong undergraduate or graduate program in criminology. One has to hope that it will be widely consulted by criminology students and scholars in the field for many years to come.
–American Reference Books Annual, March, 2006

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1976 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (January 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579583873
• ISBN-13: 978-1579583873
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9 x 4.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,415,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)