A non-technical introduction to what is known about crime, this book offers unusual insight into the reasoning of criminologists, penologists, and policymakers concerning the problems of deterrence, prevention, and justice for the innocent. Walker emphasizes the importance of rules as adeterminant of human behavior, illuminating the crucial difference between rule-following and rule-breaking behavior and the special status of the rules that constitute the criminal and penal codes. He also includes chapters on such vital topics as the natural history of lawbreaking, sentencing,justifications of penalties, incapacitation, deterrence and education, juvenile justice, stigma, victimology, and crime prevention.