This wide-ranging work examines aspects of crime, punishment and criminal justice, from medieval Western Europe to modern-day Canada. The chapters also look at the evolution of police systems as societies urbanise and undergo population changes.

Introduction From Medieval Cities to National States, 1350-1850: The Historiography of Crime and Criminal Justice in Europe by Xavier Rousseaux Structure, Conjuncture, and Events in the Historiography of Modern Criminal Justice History by Louis A. Knafla Western Europe Gender, Class, and the Courts: Scandinavia by Eva Osterberg Albion's Fatal Attractions: Reflections upon the History of Crime in England by Clive Emsley Crime, the Judicial System, and Punishment in Modern France by Rene Levy Crime, Police, and the "Good Order": Germany by Alf Ludtke and Herbert Reinke Brigands, Mafiosi, and Others: Italy by Steven Hughes The Americas and Australia-New Zealand Crime and Punishment in the Dominion of the North: Canada from New France to the Present by Jim Phillips The Urban Police in the United States by Erik Monkkonen Bandits, Real and Imagined: An Introduction to the Theme in Mexican History by Paul Vanderwood Slaves, Free Poor, and Policemen: Brazil by Marcos Luiz Bretas The Convict Taint: Australia and New Zealand by Stephen Garton Selected Bibliography Index