Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 2104 pages
• Published by: Sage Publications, Inc
• Edition: 1st Edition March 18, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 076192258X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0761922582
• Book Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.7 x 6 inches
• Weighs: 14.9 pounds

From Library Journal
Citing both the enormous amount of information currently available on crime and increased interest in the topic since September 11, editor Levinson (Encyclopedia of World Cultures, Encyclopedia of World Sport) aims to give readers a comprehensive overview by bringing together material from numerous sources. The encyclopedia's four hefty volumes include 430 signed entries, which are followed by a 'Readers Guide' that helps locating articles on related topics. This guide is often crucial. For example, though the electric chair does not, surprisingly, have its own entry, several articles on it can be accessed through the guide. The encyclopedia covers a wide range of topics, from 'Social, Ethical, and Legal Issues in DNA Testing' to "Illicit Antiquities,' 'What Americans Think About the Mafia,' and 'The Three Deathbringers in Daoism.' Written in a popular style, the work is not overburdened with graphs, statistics, or extraneous facts, which makes it a browser's paradise. Each volume has an appendix, which include 'Careers in Criminal Justice' (Vol. 1), 'Web Resources' (Vol. 2), 'Professional and Scholarly Organizations' (Vol. 3), and 'Selected Bibliography' (Vol. 4). The fourth volume also contains a chronology of event in criminal justice from 1795 B.C.E. to the present era of Sammy the Bull, identity theft, and cybercrime. There is no reference like this; it is impressive and well done, with a quirkiness that keeps you reading. Where interest exists, the encyclopedia should be a worthwhile acquisition. However, the price is steep, so it is recommended with this one reservation for public, school, and correctional facility libraries. Frances Sandiford, formerly with Green Haven Correctional Facility Lib., Stormville, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Closely following the publication of the second edition of Macmillan's Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice [RBB Ap 15 02] comes Sage's encyclopedic look at crime and efforts to control it. Sage's work focuses on the field of criminal justice, while the Macmillan set's primary focus is on criminology. As such, the Sage encyclopedia is more practice oriented and application based, as seen in entries on programs like "Scared Straight"; specific prisons, including Devil's Island and San Quentin; and alternative punishments like boot camps and house arrest.

The 439 signed entries cover 13 major themes: crimes and related behaviors, law and justice, policing, forensics, corrections, victimology, punishment, social and cultural context, international aspects, concepts and theories, research methods and information, organizations and institutions, and special populations. Articles are arranged alphabetically and vary in length from one page for Interpol and Singapore to more than nine pages for Firearms identification and Terrorism. All entries include a list of further readings and in some instances citations to court cases. Most also include a simply written summary paragraph that beginning researchers will find helpful. Many have sidebars (ranging from carjacking security tips to excerpts from novels and court cases), interesting facts presented in "Did You Know . . ." shaded boxes, photographs, drawings, or tables. A "Reader's Guide" groups articles by theme, and appendixes list criminal justice careers, organizations, and Web and print resources.

With entries for Drug millionaires and Women who kill, this work is less scholarly than the Macmillan encyclopedia. It is nonetheless a valuable source for high-school, public, and undergraduate libraries. Students and the general public will find its background discussions, definitions, and explanations of important issues and future trends easy to understand and useful for beginning research in the field of criminal justice. RBB
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