This is an attack on the current government's penal policy complemented by a set of suggestions for alternative penal strategy. Starting off with a close look at the government's record on law and order, Tessa Blackstone goes on to examine the ideology that underlies that record and to criticize crucial aspects of Tory ideas regarding criminality and crime prevention. Among the issues she targets are the flame-fanning moral panic of the government and the right-wing media, the racism of much police activity, the policing of tax evasion and social security fiddlers, the impact of Tory policies on employment training, housing and social security. She also outlines some of the most vital steps the next government must take in order to deal with Britain's burgeoning crime problem and the state of its overcrowded prisons.