The study of crime and criminal policy is a key area in social policy and sociology. This book examines the component parts of the British penal system in detail, supported by a selection of key documents, a general overview of the background of the penal system and a discussion of the future prospects of justice. Fully up-to-date it includes discussions on the 1991 Criminal Justice Act, the major prison disturbances in recent years and an examination of the Wolf report, the Home Office response and the emerging issues of privatisation.