Violence and the law

With an emphasis on how the legal system had dealt with violent crime, this volume investigates the nature of violence, the factors that contribute to violence, and the consequences of violence for victims and communities. Covering a broad range of topics - gun control, child abuse, hate crimes, rape survivors, police brutality, gang violence, and the death penalty - the book describes the incidence and prevalence of particular forms of violence. It summarizes relevant research findings, outlines conceptual models, and explores current and potential responses of the legal system. Violence and the Law is written in an accessible style by leading scholars and professionals in various fields and is appropriate for a wide audience, including students, scholars, and general readers. Because the chapters report much previously unpublished research, this volume is also valuable to researchers interested in evolving theory and important new research findings.