Helmut Kury Books

During the past two decades criminological discussion in Western industrial societies has been increasingly focused on the concept of punitiveness, a concept that is frequently linked to the staggering rise in inmate numbers in the United States from the first half of the 1970 onward, making it the country with the highest prison rate per 100,000 inhabitants in the Western world. Lee sees the development in the United States in connexion with the growing discussion of "fear of crime" during the late 1960s. "Since the late 1960s the fear of crime has progressively become a profoundly engaging field of study for criminologists and other social researchers" (2001, p. 467; see also Hale 1996). The findings of inquiries and opinion polls, which confirmed the presence of such fears among the population, moved the topic to the forefront and it did not take long until it was "discovered" by politicians. This development went hand in hand with increased media reporting on crime related matters, usually concerning spectacular cases, and thus creating in the population a distorted image of the actual extent and nature of crime (see Beckett and Sasson 2004). Some politicians were quick to use this erroneous perception for their own purposes by creating so-called "politics of fear" (see, for instance, for Japan Miyazawa 2008).

This work compiles experiences and lessons learned in addressing the unique needs of women and children in crime prevention and criminal justice, focusing on the treatment and social reintegration of offenders. It serves as a cross-disciplinary resource for academic and policy analyses in both developing and developed countries. The text advocates for a more humane and effective approach to combating delinquency and crime among future generations. It highlights two global trends—urbanization and education—that will shape development, emphasizing that urbanization will globalize concepts of justice and fairness, while education will increasingly reflect an urban mindset and digital economy. The work views crime prevention education as a vital investment in the sustainable quality of life for future generations and recognizes those engaged in crime prevention as essential skill providers. Adopting a reformist approach, it gathers articles with findings and recommendations relevant to domestic and international policymaking, including insights from United Nations studies for future welfare. The contributions, guided by the editors’ expertise and a commitment to academic freedom, include perspectives from lawyers, criminologists, sociologists, and other experts, aiming to bridge academic and policy perspectives against an international backdrop.

Fear of crime and punitiveness have become increasingly significant in criminology, particularly since the early 1990s in the United States. This growing interest is partly due to the U.S. having the highest imprisonment rate in the Western world and the continued use of the death penalty in many states. As a result, there has been heightened focus on how people's perceptions of crime, fear of victimization, and attitudes towards offenders influence societal responses. Despite the expanding literature on these topics, many regions and countries still lack comprehensive research. This collection addresses that gap by presenting findings from several nations where such studies are pioneering. Readers will gain a broad overview of fear of crime and punitivity, along with diverse observations from various global contexts. As an exploratory endeavor, this project aims to contribute to future research and inform sentencing policies and initiatives aimed at addressing fear of crime. The insights gathered here are intended to enhance understanding and promote discussions on effective responses to crime and public safety concerns.

The discussion surrounding crime and security, particularly the role of punishment in crime reduction, hinges on various factors. A key element is the "penal mentality" within a society, shaped by media portrayal, education levels, welfare systems, and public trust in government and justice. Changes in living conditions, such as high immigration or refugee influxes, can heighten feelings of insecurity and fear of crime, often leading to increased punitiveness, especially when citizens feel uninformed or excluded from decision-making processes. This volume compiles articles from diverse countries addressing their unique approaches to crime. For instance, Iran, with its distinct criminal justice system and religious context, employs the death penalty frequently and places significant emphasis on the victim's family in legal proceedings. Indian criminologists explore the comparatively lower crime and recidivism rates in their country versus the United States and Japan. Hungarian researchers provide insights into evolving public attitudes towards crime and punishment influenced by political shifts. Additionally, a chapter focuses on alternatives to severe punishment, such as mediation and Restorative Justice, assessing their effectiveness against traditional sanctions. Contributions from criminologists and legal experts reveal the leniency of courts compared to public opinion, student attitudes toward the death penalty, and the im