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.

Dr. Alexandros K. Antoniou is a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of West London, UK, and conducts research within the fields of criminology and media law. He is particularly interested in the challenges that legislators and prosecutors face when dealing with new forms of cyber-enabled crime.

Dr. Dimitris Akrivos is a Lecturer in Criminology at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. His research interests lie mainly at the intersection between criminology, law and cultural studies with a particular focus on violence, sexual deviance and mental health and particularly, their representation in news and fictional media.

Chapter One: Introduction.- Chapter Two: Obscenity and Prosecution Practice in the 21st Century.- Chapter Three: The Legislative History of the s 63 Offence.- Chapter Four: The Mediatisation of the Extreme Pornography Debate.- Chapter Five: Deconstructing the Elements of the s 63 Offence.- Chapter Six: Prosecutions, Convictions and Sentencing.- Chapter Seven: CPS Case Files Review: Setting the Scene.- Chapter Eight: Thresholds of Extreme Pornography.- Chapter Nine: Conclusions.