The second edition of this innovative text provides an accessible account of recent developments in sentencing and punishment from the standpoint of penal theories, policy aims, punishment practice and human rights. It reviews - from philosophical, legal and practical perspectives - changing ideas as to what counts as 'just' punishment, and provides an integrated discussion of the law and legitimacy of the process of calculating and implementing punishment. Sentencing and Punishment covers the key themes and topics studied on sentencing and punishment courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It explains and evaluates recent and proposed changes in penal policy and sentencing practice and gives a detailed account of punishment in custody and the community. Online Resource Centre This book is accompanied by an online resource centre that provides students with updates and web-links to key policy sites and documents, together with guidance for students in thinking about the case studies and the questions posed in the book.

Review from previous edition 'In England... authors have shed a bright light on the at times obscure landscape of sentencing... Susan Easton and Christine Piper... follow this tradition with their comprehensive and impressive work, Sentencing and Punishment: The Quest for Justice' Criminal Law Forum, December 2007 This excellent new book is a particularly refreshing new edition to texts in this area and criminal justice generally...The integration of theory with practice successfully, and justifiably, complicated the issues but does so in a way that is always accessible (primarily because of the clarity of language but aided by an excellent glossary of terms, chapter summaries, coherent sub-headings and helpful cross referencing. Youth Justice, August 2006 In addition to being an invaluable guide to those attempting to navigate the complex surface of current penal policy, the book should also stimulate fresh perspectives amongst those familiar with the topography of the current penal terrain. Howard Journal, 2006 (A) stimulating account of the role of sentencing law and penal policy in England and Wales. The Student Law Journal, December 2005 A well-written and accessible text which provides excellent value for money. The Student Law Journal, December 2005

Susan Easton is Reader in Law at Brunel Law School, a barrister and editor of the International Journal of Discrimination and the Law. She has previously lectured at the Universities of Sussex and Sheffield. She has a particular research interest in prisoners' rights and the experience of imprisonment. Christine Piper is Professor of Law at Brunel Law School, and a member of the editorial board of Child and Family Law Quarterly. Her current research interests include issues in youth justice and the impact of punishment on families.