Comparative Youth Justice is the first book to critically reflect on contemporary juvenile justice reform in England and Wales and across various other western jurisdictions including the US, Canada, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Scotland, Japan, Italy and Finland. In doing so, it identifies major international differences in juvenile policy and practice. However, Contemporary Youth Justice is not simply an attempt to document national similarities and differences, but looks critically at how global trends are translated at the local level. This book also examines how youth justice is implemented in practice with a view to promoting change as well as reflection. Each chapter addresses key critical issues including the degree of compliance with international law; the extent of repenalistion; adulteration; tolerance; and the impact of experiments in restoration and risk management. John Muncie and Barry Goldson are leading authorities in this area and have commissioned an impressive list of internationally recognized contributors. The book is essential reading for all those interested in youth justice and comparative criminal justice issues. This book is designed as a companion volume to Youth Crime and Justice: Critical Issues, edited by Barry Goldson and John Muncie, published simultaneously by SAGE. `Comparative Youth Justice is what we need in an era of hardening social policies and irresponsible political demagoguery: thoughtful critiques, comparative analysis, and a commitment to the rights of youth. John Muncie and Barry Goldson have done a fine job of bringing together a group of commentators who know the inner workings of juvenile justice and what it will take to change the current law and order model. A book that is required reading for practitioners, professors, policy makers, researchers, and students concerned about the bankrupt state of juvenile justice and willing to consider new ideas and directions' - Tony Platt, California State University, Sacramento |
