The Short Guide to Criminal Justice provides a comprehensive, yet concise, introduction to the current state of the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom. Avoiding an overtly legalistic or philosophical approach, it offers an accessible entry point for students and researchers across disciplines, including many student-friendly features such as case study boxes, tables showing key facts and figures and links to data sources and further reading. Also exploring the experience of criminal justice in relation to inequality, this book provides a foundation for further investigation and discussion.

"An up-to-date account of the key issues and debates relating to criminal justice policy and the manner in which this is delivered....of major interest to students and practitioners alike." Peter Joyce, Manchester Metropolitan University
"A must-read and engaging primer for students of criminology and criminal justice, and an excellent resource for scholars and lay readers needing an up to date and accessible introduction to the UK criminal justice system." Anita Lavorgna, University of Southampton
“Well balanced and accessible covering key concepts alongside `the story’ of criminal justice with summary tables, boxes and close-ups that keep the reader moving….useful for any student needing an introduction to criminal justice in England and Wales. “ Graham Farrell, University of Leeds

Dr Lisa O’Malley is a Senior Lecturer in Social Policy in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at the University of York where she teaches Introducing Criminal Justice, Policing and Youth Justice to undergraduate students. Her research interests are primarily concerned with the intersection between crime and social policy, including the relationship between housing tenure and crime, the criminalisation of place and community safety.

Sharon Elizabeth Grace is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at the University of York. She teaches specialist modules on illicit drug use and victimisation as well as leading the core criminology and criminal justice modules. Her research interests lie within both criminal justice and drug policy and practice particularly as they relate to women with complex needs.