ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors highlight the key themes and insights that have emerged from their first comparative study of differences in the behaviour of offenders in different countries. They begin with the larger debates within the broader literature on the sociology of punishment that are relevant to their attempts to understand the role played by breach processes in the enforcement of community supervision. The authors explore breach processes focusing on a number of key themes including: the role of European values, ethics and norms; the parties, roles and responsibilities of those involved; the role of discretion and professionalism; and the extent of legitimacy and due process protections. An important absence from the literature on enforcement and compliance is the role of the layperson and administrative decision-makers. The authors also present some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in this book.
