Book excerpt: Law is a double-edged sword. It is not just an instrument for implementing social policy, social control, and social rights, but an instrument, in the hands of those with the motivation, power and economic resources to wield it, for undermining them. This topical volume presents seminal socio-legal essays encompassing a diverse range of issues, including criminal justice, tax avoidance and corporate finance, to fully explore the topics of crime, compliance and control.