Law and Order

More about the book

This innovative book on criminal justice uniquely merges photographic art with legal science, showcasing the daily realities of police, courts, and often hidden prison conditions in Colombia, France, Uganda, and the United States. It features Banning’s reflections on criminal punishment alongside Michiel Scholtes’ poignant narrative of his trial and imprisonment in France. Legal experts from the Max Planck Institute (MPI) in Freiburg, Germany, offer brief introductions to each country's justice system, along with infographics on crime and criminal justice across various nations. The foreword by MPI director Ulrich Sieber sets the stage for this multifaceted collection of photos, texts, and statistics that challenge conventional views on criminal policy. Critics praise the powerful imagery, highlighting the contrast between facilities across continents and the humanity captured in portraits of both incarcerated individuals and administrators. Banning's work humanizes his subjects, revealing their routines and resilience. This intimate exploration of often-overlooked issues compels readers to consider the profound impact of incarceration on lives. The book received the Social Documentary Network (SDN) Award in 2016, further emphasizing its significance in the discourse on criminal justice.