This latest volume in the Penal Theory and Penal Ethics series addresses one of the oldestquestions in the field of criminal sentencing: should an offender's previous convictions affect the sentence? Although there is an extensive literature on the definition and use of criminal history information, the emphasis here is on the theoretical and normative aspects of considering previous convictions at sentencing. Several authors explore the theory underlying the practice of mitigating the punishments for first offenders, while others put forth arguments for enhancing sentences for recidivists.

Julian V Roberts is Professor of Criminology at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Worcester College. Andrew von Hirsch is Honorary Professor of Penal Theory and Penal Law at the University of Cambridge and an Honorary Fellow of Wolfson College.