Praise for the First Edition: 'A marvelous British text-reference that comprehensively introduces the penal system in England and Wales, not only for students and practitioners, but for all who are increasingly concerned about the morality and the future of penal systems worldwide' - Reference and Research Book News The Third Edition of this highly successful textbook provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the penal system of England and Wales. Now fully revised and updated it includes an examination of the direction of penal policy under New Labour. The book: -offers an overview of all aspects of punishment and the penal system -provides an analyses of the theories which purport to justify and explain the practice of punishment - critically examines the so-called 'penal crisis' and offers a programme for radical reform -draws comparisons between the English penal system and others from around the world. -now includes a self-study guide, directing the reader to useful websites

`The authors appear to do an excellent job of describing the criminal justice system of England, and how the penal system fits into, and is affected by it' - Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice

Michael Cavadino, who is Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Central Lancashire, is an internationally known author and researcher in the fields of penology (the study of punishment) and mental health law. He is co-author of the leading textbook on the penal system of England and Wales (M Cavadino, J Dignan and G Mair, The Penal System: An Introduction, 5th ed., Sage Publications 2013). His other works include Mental Health Law in Context: Doctors' Orders? (Dartmouth, 1989) and M Cavadino and J Dignan, Penal Systems: A Comparative Approach (Sage Publications, 2006).