Rethinking Miscarriages of Justice: Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg

In this highly provocative and fascinating study, Michael Naughton radically re-assesses the notion of miscarriages of justice. Drawing on Foucauldian theory and 'social harm' paradigms, Naughton uncovers the limits of the criminal justice process and questions the dominant discourse that views miscarriages of justice as rare and exceptional cases of wrongful imprisonment. Arguing that the criminal justice process itself causes miscarriages of justice, and can prevent the overtuning of convictions, Naughton interprets error as the norm - a mundane feature that is an inbuilt part of the legal system. Further, by redefining the term 'miscarriage of justice' he shows how it can be applied to thousands of cases per year. Extending previous analyses of the forms of harm that miscarriages of justice cause, this study explores the impact on a range of victims - direct and indirect - and their wider effect on society as a whole. Previous attempts to reform the system to prevent miscarriages of justice and their consequences have proved unsuccessful and here, Naughton provides an explanation of why they have failed and provides a new perspective on the ways to prevent mistakes occuring. Providing a much-needed critical appraisal of a fundamental aspect of the legal system, this book will have a dramatic impact on the way we think about criminal justice.

Table of Contents:
Introduction What is a Miscarriage of Justice? The Official Miscarriage of Justice Iceberg Causation: Beyond the Official Miscarriage of Justice Iceberg Government Campaigns Academia Human Rights Zemiology Conclusion

About the Author :
MICHAEL NAUGHTON is a Lecturer in Sociology and Law at the University of Bristol, UK. He has written widely on miscarriages of justice and the wrongful conviction of the innocent, emphasizing the extensive range of harmful consequences that they engender. He founded the Innocence Network UK (INUK), and the University of Bristol Innocence Project (UoBIP), the first dedicated innocence project in the UK.

Review :
'It is important to refresh our perspectives upon the perennial problem of miscarriages of justice, and Michael Naughton...thoroughly explains to us in his book why, after a Royal Commission and so much criminal justice legislation, reform remains essential.' - Clive Walker, Professor of Criminal Justice Studies, Leeds University, UK 'This book provides a refreshing new approach to the analysis of miscarriages of justice. Drawing upon Foucault's analysis of governmentality and the emerging new perspective of zemiology, it maps a new terrain for understanding miscarriages. It is clearly written and succinct. It should be essential reading for students of law, criminology, sociology and politics.' - Paddy Hillyard, Professor of Sociology, Queen's University Belfast, UK 'Michael Naughton's analysis succeeds in identifying a new and relevant perspective which challenges some of the assumptions made by different groups within society about miscarriages of justice!Most importantly the book does move the miscarriage of justice debate forward, highlighting from a humanitarian perspective not only the true scale of the problem but also the devastating and often under-estimated extent of harm that results. In addition it reflects on some avenues and approaches that can be utilised to promote positive change rather than presenting as a document of despair. As such it is an important read for all parties concerned about this issue.' Dennis Eady, Crimonology and Criminal Justice '...in this book Naughton attempts to contribute to new ways of thinking about and acting upon miscarriages of justice...' - The Criminal Lawyer