'As it has developed, criminology has become rather distanced from one of it's original sources - criminal law. Law and Crime provides a clearly-written, stimulating and historically-rooted introduction to criminal law and reminds us of its continuing relevance to criminology.' - Professor George Mair, Liverpool John Moores University Law and Crime is an invaluable guide for anyone wishing to explore the relationship between criminal law and criminology; between doctrine and the practices of punishment. It is a provocative and engaging exploration of the criminal law as a social institution that will be of considerable interest to criminologists and criminal lawyers alike. - Professor Lucia Zedner, University of Oxford.

What is the definition of 'crime'? Law and Crime helps the criminologist to understand how the law constructs crime and how one might engage in critical analysis of such legal constructions. It uses a thematic approach to comprehensively explore the relationship between criminal conduct, criminal justice and the law.

The book introduces key topics in criminal law scholarship for criminologists, including:

" criminalization

" fault and criminal responsibility

" corporate liability

" the production of criminal guilt

" the nature of judicial punishment.

Aimed at students with no prior knowledge of law, the book includes many useful features to enhance understanding, from chapter overviews and key terms to study questions and suggestions for further reading.