Prison Segregation: The Limits of Law explores the use of segregation in English prisons by examining how law is used and experienced, and how human rights are upheld. It draws on empirical research, through interviews with staff and prisoners, to understand how law ‘works’ (or not) in a site of the prison, which is traditionally characterised by real imbalances of power. The book draws on one of the first research studies of its kind: an in-depth ethnographic study of law, culture and norms within the segregation unit. It adopts a socio-legal perspective to explore: (i) how segregation is and should be used in prisons, and how the law sets the parameters of that usage (in theory); (ii) the complex web of laws and rules, as applies to segregation, and their relationship with the actors responsible for their implementation; (iii) how laws and rules can be undermined by the culture and context within which they are implemented. It relies on the voices of prisoners and staff, as well as observations and descriptions, to bring experiences to life. The accounts from staff and prisoners – sometimes joyous, sometimes harrowing – provide a rich and rare insight into the segregation unit. It provides access to, and insights into, parts of our criminal justice system which are typically impenetrable. Whilst it is an academic study of law and power in segregation units (and prison more broadly), it is also a very human account of lived experiences. The book is multi-disciplinary in nature and will appeal to those with an interest in law, sociology, criminology and psychology. It will also appeal to those seeking to understand socio-legal research methods in the field of criminal justice. However, the book is also pragmatic and has a number of recommendations which would be of interest to practitioners, lawyers, prison managers and policy-makers.

This book has been written by an aircraft engineer to give you an insight into his sixty years as a maintenance man, inspecting, rectifying, and certifying many types of aircraft all over the world, and as a Licensed Engineer for forty-four years. The book takes you through his five years in the Royal Air Force, as an engine mechanic on Merlin engines as fitted to the Avro Lincoln. During his service he saw action in Egypt (Canal Zone) also in Kenya during the Mau Mau uprising. For these he received two campaign medals. Then into civilian life, working with some of the major companies in the UK but mainly with the freight airlines, one being Air Charter of London (a Freddie Laker company), which included an airline as well as aircraft maintenance. He was engaged on a prototype twin-engined small airliner, The Accountant (not too successful). From there to an engine fitter on DC4, Bristol 170, Avro Tudor aircraft, and many more. He was also a 'flying spanner' on the DC4s flying between Southend airport in England and Adelaide in Australia, still working for Laker. The author gained his aircraft maintenance licence in 1967, which is still valid as of 2012. Over the years he has been involved with innumerable aircraft, from the very small to the very large, including the Russian-built Antonov AN 124, Boeing B17 Flying Fortress, Spitfire, and P51 Mustang. His work has taken him all over the world including North and South America, Australia, Russia, Africa, and the Far East, as a fixer of unserviceable aircraft, and also as engineering auditor mainly for oil companies involved in the oil spill control world. Over the last thirty years he has been the chief engineer on the only airworthy B17 flying outside the United States, in addition to maintaining many War Birds during that time.

I have written many things in my life, some songs, some poetry and some things that I couldn't begin to categorize...well almost all of it is in here. An enjoyable read that may make you think but will definitely make you laugh and if I've done my job you can even relate.