The main aim of the book is to provide an integrated analysis of sentencing theory, law and policy by examining the following key areas: - dangerous offenders, mentally abnormal offenders and sex offenders, drug-related crime, white-collar crime and child-related crime. The book's approach is, therefore, novel in that it provides socio-legal analyses of important areas of sentencing law within the context of theoretical, empirical and policy debates which concern the sentencing process as a whole.

Within this conceptual framework the book will also provide an assessment of the relationship between sentencing principles, guideline judgments and Attorney-General's references in relation to each area considered, and its relevance to sentencing policy. Ethical and moral issues in sentencing policy development are also considered. In addition, the book will examine existing and potential human rights abuses in the sentencing process and the extent of any legal protection. Comparisons with other jurisdictions are made where appropriate and particular attention paid to the rights of victims. Reform proposals and the significance of globalisation are also addressed.