This innovative text provides an accessible account of recent developments in sentencing and punishment from the standpoint of penal theories, policy aims, punishment practice and human rights. It reviews - from philosophical, legal and practical perspectives - changing ideas as to what counts as 'just' punishment, and provides an integrated discussion of the law and legitimacy of the process of calculating and implementing punishment. Sentencing and Punishment covers the key themes and topics studied on sentencing and punishment courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It explains and evaluates recent and proposed changes in penal policy and sentencing practice and gives a detailed account of punishment in custody and the community. The book is accompanied by an Online Resource Centre featuring:- Updates on case law, new legislation and key developments- Further reading suggestions for each chapter of the book- Guidance on answering end of chapter questions.