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The Rise of Extreme Porn

Legal and Criminological Perspectives on Extreme Pornography in England and Wales

Authors: Alexandros K. Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

This book analyses the criminalisation of the possession of extreme pornography through ss 63-68 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. It documents the legislative history of the offence and offers a criminological perspective on the role of the media in the construction of the extreme pornography problem. It evaluates the elements of the s 63 offence and critically reflects upon their weaknesses. Moreover, the book presents an up-to-date account of the number of prosecutions initiated and convictions obtained under s 63 since it came into force, alongside an exploration into the corresponding sentencing trends.
The first study of its kind in England and Wales since the controversial legal provisions at issue came into effect in 2009, this book contributes new evidence to the application of the extreme pornography provisions and will play an important role in shaping debates on the prosecution of similar offences in the coming years. This book will serve as an invaluable resource to all those with an interest in law, criminology, sociology of deviance, sexuality and pornography studies.

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Table of Contents

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

This chapter sets the scene with an introductory discussion of the stated justifications underlying the introduction of the extreme pornography offence (Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, s 63). It engages with the philosophical question of where the boundaries of state intervention should be delineated and discusses previous research undertaken into the criminal offence in question. In addition, this chapter outlines the aims of the research undertaken and explains the research methods adopted.

Alexandros K. Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

2. Obscenity and Prosecution Practice in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the basic legal framework of obscenity. It examines the contemporary application of the Obscene Publications Acts 1959 and 1964, the extent to which they are effective when applied online, and the prosecution practice concerning obscenity offences.

Alexandros K. Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

3. The Legislative History of the s 63 Offence

Abstract

This chapter takes the reader through the legislative history of the offence and provides an insight into the assumptions and interests underlying it. In particular, it provides a legal analysis of the high-profile case of the murder of Jane Longhurst by Graham Coutts which prompted the campaign to ban the possession of violent pornography. It then moves on to discuss the 2005 consultation process and the passage of the 2007 Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill.

Alexandros K. Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

4. The Mediatisation of the Extreme Pornography Debate

Abstract

This chapter explores the role of news media in the construction of the extreme pornography problem and explains how these paved the way for the introduction of s 63 through their coverage of Jane Longhurst’s murder. It examines the elements that made the story newsworthy as well as journalists’ attempts to operate alongside criminal justice institutions and administer their own extra-legal justice.

Alexandros K Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

5. Deconstructing the Elements of the s 63 Offence

Abstract

This chapter provides a detailed examination of the extreme pornography offence. The analysis critically engages with legal scholarship regarding the criminalisation of this type of imagery and considers the way it has influenced the development of the law in this area.

Alexandros K Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

6. Prosecutions, Convictions and Sentencing

Abstract

Chapter 6 analyses original data pertaining to the number of prosecutions initiated and convictions obtained under s 63 since the offence came into force. It also explores sentencing trends.

Alexandros K Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

7. Crown Prosecution Service Case Files Review: Setting the Scene

Abstract

Chapter 7 examines the practical application of the extreme pornography law as reflected in prosecutors’ decision-making process in a sample of CPS case files involving s 63 offences. Chapter 7 briefly presents the overall research design of the CPS case files review and goes on to provide the wider context in which its key findings should be placed.

Alexandros K Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

8. Thresholds of Extreme Pornography

Abstract

Chapter 8 examines the practical application of the extreme pornography law as reflected in prosecutors’ decision-making process in a sample of CPS case files involving s 63 offences. It explores the thresholds of extreme pornography indicated by the nature of the material in cases where prosecutors were satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

Alexandros K Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

9. Conclusions

Abstract

This chapter summarises the key outcomes of this study, considers the limitations associated with the adopted methodological approach, and provides an outlook for future research.

Alexandros K. Antoniou, Dimitris Akrivos

Backmatter

Title: The Rise of Extreme Porn
Authors: Alexandros K. Antoniou
Dimitris Akrivos
Copyright Year: 2017
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-48971-1
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-48970-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48971-1

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