The Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Editor: Jay S. Albanese
Publisher: Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell, 2014. 2,760 p.
Reviewer: Harry R. Dammer | September 2015

This encyclopedia is the first in a series of forthcoming titles related to criminology and criminal justice by Wiley Blackwell. It is also one of the many encyclopedias (and handbooks) that have been published about the topic over the last ten-fifteen years. The encyclopedia includes 540 entries, ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 words, includes cross-references and recommended further reading. Each of the entries was subjected to a dual review process. This work, edited by Jay S. Albanese, is distinguished by at least three features. First, it is broad and comprehensive in its coverage. It is not hyperbole to state that someone who may wish to get an education in criminology and criminal justice can do so just by reading these five volumes. The topics are subsumed under fifteen substantive areas: corrections and sentencing; correlates of crime; courts and adjudication; criminal law; criminal procedure; education and professional development; history of criminology and criminal justice; international and transnational crime and justice juvenile justice; law enforcement and policing; measures of crime; pioneers of the field; theories; types of crime; and victimization. Second, the work is multidisciplinary and international in its approach. This is not surprising, since the editor has extensive experience in the academy and in international crime and justice matters. He has invited contributors from numerous countries and perspectives such as forensic psychology, international law, and public policy. Finally, the encyclopedia includes a number of new topics that have emerged in recent years, and have not been included in other works of this genre. These include interesting and important entries such as agricultural crime, child soldiers, and Europol. The end result is a very comprehensive, interesting, and readable version for all levels of study in criminology and criminal justice. If one was to own only one encyclopedia on the subject, this is a good choice for these and many other reasons.

Harry R. Dammer is Professor and Chair of Sociology/Criminal Justice, University of Scranton.