This book investigates whether the dominant theories of criminal justice, specifically retributivism and subjectivism, are fundamentally flawed due to their reliance on Kantian moral philosophy. Alan Norrie, a scholar in criminal law and legal theory, critiques the internal contradictions within contemporary legal thought. He proposes a relational or dialectical framework as a more robust alternative to the orthodox approaches that currently define the field. By analyzing the works of prominent legal theorists, Norrie seeks to expose the limitations of individualistic moral philosophy in the context of criminal responsibility.

Legal scholars and academics frequently cite this work as a significant contribution to the critique of orthodox criminal jurisprudence. Readers often note the high level of philosophical density, making it a text primarily intended for advanced students and practitioners of legal theory.