Institute of Criminal Justice Studies

About the Research Centre for Comparative and International Criminology

Comparative criminology has been defined as the informed comparison of crime (in a broad sense) and justice (in a broad sense) between different sites. These sites include countries, jurisdictions but also regions, cities or parts of cities. International criminology looks at crime and justice that transcends national boundaries and as such includes transnational crime, global crime, such as severe environmental crime and crimes against humanity. International criminal justice refers to transnational efforts such as international police cooperation to truly international bodies such as the UN and Interpol.

Comparative and international criminology are growth areas in criminological research. There are numerous text books on the market not least Pakes’ Comparative Criminal Justice whereas several recent publications consider comparative or international justice, frequently in relation to current trends such as globalisation (e.g. Nelken, 2011, Aas, 2007 or Pakes, in preparation) or punitiveness. (e.g , Cavadino and Dignan, 2006; Drake, Muncie and Westmarland, 2009) and Findlay (2008).

The Institute for Criminal Justice Studies, where the Research Centre for Comparative and International Criminology is based, has a long track record in comparative and international research. That is reflected in books and articles written by staff; research undertaken by PhD and Professional Doctorate Students; joint research project with colleagues and professionals abroad; and a tradition of hosting visiting scholars from all over the world.