Emphasises the operationalisation of criminal justice through the workings of key agencies. Examines particular areas of substantive criminal law doctrine and practice such as assault and sexual assault, public order offences, property offences and drugs offences. Examines sentencing and penalty, including justifications for punishment, sentencing options, the rise of retributivism, victim participation, and penal practices. Fosters a reflexive approach to the operation of criminal law and the criminal process, including consideration of the limits of criminal law as a mode of regulation in the light of technological and policy changes, and the blurring boundaries between criminal and civil law.