Contrasts in Tolerance: Post-war Penal Policy in The Netherlands and England and Wales

by David Downes

Overview

The Dutch penal system has for many years been held up to the world for its humane and enlightened approach to the criminal offender. Providing an eye-opening examination of both the policy and practice of the Dutch prison system, Downs includes a fascinating comparison with prison systems in England and Wales.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198258339
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/22/1993
Series:	Oxford Socio-Legal Studies
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.54(d)
Lexile:	1480L (what's this?)

About the Author

London School of Economics and Political Science

Editorial Reviews

"Contrasts in Tolerance is expertly crafted and beautifully written. Professor Downes pinpoints the crucial theoretical issues regarding sentencing, imprisonment, and decarceration, and uses original and rich data that address these issues in the Netherlands and in England. In persuasively demonstrating real effects of specific penal policies, Downes is able to address real possibilities for specific penal change. Contrasts in Tolerance is ambitious, creative, and a model in comparative empirical scholarship. As such it will prove to be a significant and lasting contribution to several fields, including Criminology, Social Policy, Political Science, and Sociology."—Richard V. Ericson, University of Toronto

"Downes fascinating comparative analysis takes us a great deal nearer to an understanding of the roots and strength of reductionism in the Netherlands...powerful and scholarly enquiry."—New Statesman and Society

"Certainly an illuminating account of key aspects of the criminal justice system of two very important countries. It is both fair and balanced. Contrast in Tolerance should be required reading for all those seeking to understand the complexities of modern criminal justice policy."—Arnold S. Trebach, President, Drug Policy Foundation

From the Publisher