This historical annual is the major publication in the general area of the history of crime, the criminal courts, policing, and punishment in all geographical regions from ancient to modern times. In addition to analytical articles, the annual provides reviews of the major books in these subjects and areas, and book review essays on major collections, new findings, and methodologies.

In this 1993 edition, two major articles focus on juvenile offenders; policing on the Canadian frontier is examined in another piece, while the early history of detectives, and penal reform in Hong Kong are covered in other essays. Review essays examine policing in the British Empire, the Phoenix Park Murders of 1882, and justices of the peace. A major bibliography of criminality and criminal justice history in Europe, 1250-1850, reviews of 14 specific works, and a general subject index conclude this volume.