Book Review: Chui W. H. & Lo T. W. (Eds.). (2008.) Understanding Criminal justice in Hong Kong Devon, UK: Willan, 284 pp. $ 39.95. ISBN 1-843923-00-9

• Author: Lening Zhang
• DOI: 10.1177/1057567709349193
• Date: 01 December 2009
• Published date: 01 December 2009
• Subject Matter: Articles

of human rights. Finally, part 5, which comprises the last four chapters of the book, addresses women

as professionals in law enforcement, in the legal profession, and in corrections.

I do have some minor quibbles. Though there are solid statements made, illustrations provided,

and explanations given on relevant theoretical constructs and thought-provoking questions are posed

in relation to these, the flow in the haste to be comprehensive becomes a little disjointed. This is

evident in chapter 1 titled ‘‘Gender, Patriarchy and Social Control.’’Chapter 2 follows a similar pat-

tern in that in addressing women in crime, it appears to raise all the pertinent questions and gives a

good flavour of some of the key research evidence and theorizing but with no great sense of conti-

nuity. All the various sections that comprise the chapter are relevant but there is little momentum or

pace being gathered. A rather distracting and complex-level order of headings and subheadings adds

to this snapshot and staccato effect. In a similar vein, chapters 3 and 4 note key authors, provide mini

annotated bibliographies, list key features and concepts, relay important and significant quotes and

organising principles, and include useful and interesting snippets from research studies.

Besides these relatively minor frustrations, I would also comment that there is a flimsy, delicate,

and thin feel to the pages which is an observation directed more at the publishers than at the authors.

Nevertheless, as also signified in the above, the book is comprehensive in scope and detail, and this is

a major strength. The authors demonstrate they are widely read and have a good grasp of the varied

literature and resources referred to and drawn on. All chapter references have been updated, and

there has been a comprehensive effort to include up-to-date Bureau of Justice Statistics on offending,

violence rates and levels, and numbers in prisons and jails, in addition to quantitative data from other

relevant sources. The commitment to offering enhanced pedagogic features also sees plenty of space

given over to reproducing useful readings connected to qualitative research approaches and their

findings. This is done in the form of boxed text, which makes for a varied and interesting layout

within the book. On a final note, I would stress that this book will no doubt continue to prove a highly

useful resource for teachers, learners, and university-level scholars of criminology and criminal

justice.

Pamela Davies

Northumbria University

Chui W. H. & Lo T. W. (Eds.). (2008.)

Understanding Criminal justice in Hong Kong Devon, UK: Willan, 284 pp. $ 39.95.

ISBN 1-843923-00-9.

DOI: 10.1177/1057567709349193

The book has 11 chapters with an introduction section. It covers the essential areas of Hong

Kong’s criminal justice system ranging from criminal law to crime prevention. It provides clear and

well-organized illustrations and descriptions of the principles and practices of Hong Kong’s criminal

justice. For students, researchers, and practitioners interested in Hong Kong’s criminal justice sys-

tem, the book offers a unique opportunity to learn the basics of Hong Kong’s criminal justice. As the

authors point out, ‘‘its coverage reflects what we believe is essential knowledge that students coming

to the field for the first time should require’’ (p. 11).

Hong Kong has a unique legal setting that combines the British legal tradition and Chinese cul-

ture. It had been controlled and governed by the British government for more than 150 years from

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