Published in 1999, this text brings together detailed reflexive accounts of authors' experiences of conducting research on a variety of criminological topics. The broad aim of the book is to critically review how qualitative methods can be effectively deployed in the area of criminology. The conclusions reached in the text are diverse, reflecting the range of qualitative methods considered and the particular criminological topics to which they are applied. A common theme throughout is that whilst qualitative research can help to provide valid and meaningful information on criminological issues, researchers need to carefully reflect upon both the methodological and ethical dimensions of their work. The book will appeal to those who wish to understand the experience of conducting qualitative research on aspects of crime and criminal justice. This will include undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking research for the first time, as well as experienced researchers and teachers. This book was originally published as part of the Cardiff Papers in Qualitative Research series edited by Paul Atkinson, Sara Delamont and Amanda Coffey. The series publishes original sociological research that reflects the tradition of qualitative and ethnographic inquiry developed at Cardiff. The series includes monographs reporting on empirical research, edited collections focussing on particular themes, and texts discussing methodological developments and issues.

Criminal Justice, Mental Health and the Politics of Risk addresses the important issues which lie at the forefront of decision making and policy in criminal justice and health care. The book brings together several perpectives from a number of distinguished academic lawyers, criminologists, psychologists and psychiatrists. It is multi-disciplinary in its approach and is jointly edited by a lawyer, a criminologist and a psychologist - all of whom have expertise and experience in this field. The book is written in the light of the current emphasis on risk assessment and management as well as the recent government proposals to reform mental health law and detain dangerous and severely personality disordered individuals. It provides a theoretical overview for academics and students in the fields of medical law, mental health law, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, criminology and psychiatry. In addition, the book's highly topical and pragmatic approach will appeal to numerous professionals and practitioners

Published in 1999, this text brings together detailed reflexive accounts of authors' experiences of conducting research on a variety of criminological topics. The broad aim of the book is to critically review how qualitative methods can be effectively deployed in the area of criminology. The conclusions reached in the text are diverse, reflecting the range of qualitative methods considered and the particular criminological topics to which they are applied. A common theme throughout is that whilst qualitative research can help to provide valid and meaningful information on criminological issues, researchers need to carefully reflect upon both the methodological and ethical dimensions of their work. The book will appeal to those who wish to understand the experience of conducting qualitative research on aspects of crime and criminal justice. This will include undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking research for the first time, as well as experienced researchers and teachers. This book was originally published as part of the Cardiff Papers in Qualitative Research series edited by Paul Atkinson, Sara Delamont and Amanda Coffey. The series publishes original sociological research that reflects the tradition of qualitative and ethnographic inquiry developed at Cardiff. The series includes monographs reporting on empirical research, edited collections focussing on particular themes, and texts discussing methodological developments and issues.

Criminal Justice, Mental Health and the Politics of Risk addresses the important issues which lie at the forefront of decision making and policy in criminal justice and health care. The book brings together several perpectives from a number of distinguished academic lawyers, criminologists, psychologists and psychiatrists. It is multi-disciplinary in its approach and is jointly edited by a lawyer, a criminologist and a psychologist - all of whom have expertise and experience in this field. The book is written in the light of the current emphasis on risk assessment and management as well as the recent government proposals to reform mental health law and detain dangerous and severely personality disordered individuals. It provides a theoretical overview for academics and students in the fields of medical law, mental health law, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, criminology and psychiatry. In addition, the book's highly topical and pragmatic approach will appeal to numerous professionals and practitioners