Book Review: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on justice systems by K. Gajda-Roszczynialska (Editors)

• Published date: 01 March 2025
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/10575677241271967
• Author: Hasannudin Hidayat,Sulastri Sangadji,Rahmat Hi Abdullah
• Date: 01 March 2025
• Subject Matter: Book Reviews

Abbie Haines, and Teela Sanders on the crisis within sex work, adds depth to the book’s critical

examination of systemic inequities. Mark Monaghan and Ian Hamilton’s analysis of COVID-19’s

inf‌luence on drug trends further enriches the narrative, offering a comprehensive overview of the

challenges faced and the innovative responses enacted.

This book stands out for its scholarly rigor and the editors’ability to offer a humanized perspec-

tive on legal and systemic responses to the pandemic. The inclusion of real-world case studies along-

side theoretical discussions makes “Crime, Justice and COVID-19”an invaluable resource for

scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. It also advocates for a redef‌ined approach to justice that

prioritizes inclusivity and equity, making it essential reading for those engaged in the f‌ields of

law, public policy, and social justice. In the end, the reviewers would like to express their gratitude

to Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) for supporting this review.

ORCID iD

Ageng Pramesthi Kusumaningrum https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0992-6893

Arimbi Fajari Furqon https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6347-1233

Alf‌iatul Khairiyah https://orcid.org/ 0009-0005-3037-9423

Gajda-Roszczynialska., K. (Editors) (2023).

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on justice systems. V&R Unipress. 465 pp. €65.00 (Hardcover), ISBN: 978-

3847115823.

Reviewed by: Hasannudin Hidayat, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Jawa Tengah,Indonesia, I Wayan Sudira,

Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia, Sulastri Sangadji ,Universitas Gadjah Mada,

Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Rahmat Hi Abdullah, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia

DOI: 10.1177/10575677241271967

The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a spotlight on profound vulnerabilities within judicial systems

across the globe. “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Justice Systems,”edited by Katarzyna

Gajda-Roszczynialska, is a critical contribution to this discourse. This comprehensive volume, sup-

ported by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, dissects the challenges faced by judi-

cial systems during the pandemic. The volume advocates for a shift toward an adaptive, inclusive,

and equitable justice system, underscoring the necessity of legal reforms tailored to the realities of

the pandemic. This book broadens academic inquiry into judicial reforms and offers practical insights

for policymakers and practitioners grappling with the implications of COVID-19.

By juxtaposing the pandemic-induced challenges with judicial responses across Europe, the

editors forward a compelling argument for a justice system that prioritizes fairness and inclusivity.

Their work drives forward the conversation on how judicial systems can evolve to meet the

demands of an increasingly complex global landscape. This book, with its comprehensive analysis

and visionary outlook, embodies the essence of scholarly contributions essential for shaping the tra-

jectory of judicial reforms in these unprecedented times.

The book is structured into four parts, totaling 26 chapters. Part I: “The Administration of Justice

in National and Supranational Courts in the Era of The Covid-19 Pandemic and Post Pandemic Era,”

examines the erosion of judicial independence and the adaptability of legal systems during the pan-

demic. In Chapter 1, José Igreja Matos discusses how governmental restrictions have compromised

judicial autonomy, posing signif‌icant threats to the rule of law. Matos underscores the critical impor-

tance of safeguarding judicial independence even in crises. Chapter 2, by Duro Sessa, emphasizes the

resilience of legal systems and the lessons learned about maintaining judicial independence during

88 International Criminal Justice Review 35(1)