Explaining Criminal Justice

by Steven P. Lab, Marian Williams, Jefferson E. Holcomb, William R. King, Michael E. Buerger

Overview

Written by Lab, Williams, Holcomb, King, and Buerger, Explaining Criminal Justice is the first brief survey text designed for students entering the field of criminal justice who lack a criminal justice background.

This primer's helpful shorthand presentation will be useful to students in a variety of ways:

* Defines key terminology and issues in an easily understood format.
* Offers a basic understanding of the component parts of the criminal justice system and how they interrelate.
* Provides coverage of all major issues—plus a realistic overview of the criminal justice system.

Each chapter features a list of key terms, brief discussions of the important issues under each topic, discussions of emerging issues and concerns in the field, references for all key topics, a brief bibliography, and appropriate website listings.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195330311
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/01/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Crime and the Criminal Justice SystemIntroduction: What Is Crime?, Measuring CrimeThe Philosophies of the Criminal Justice System, Retribution, Deterrence, RehabilitationA System of Checks and BalancesThe Four C's of the Criminal Justice System (Citizens, Cops, Courts, and Corrections)Recent Trends in Criminal JusticeSuggested ReadingsChapter 2: Theories/Explanations of CrimeIntroductionTheoretical Schools of Thought, The Classical School, The Positivist School, NeoclassicismBiological Explanations, Physical Appearance Theories, Genetics and Inheritance Explanations, Biosocial ApproachesPsychological Explanations, Psychoanalytic Approaches, Developmental Explanations, Learning Theories, Personality TraitsSociological Explanations, The Ecological Perspective, Sociological Learning Theories, Subcultural Approaches, Routine Activities and Rational Choice, Social Control Theories, Strain Theories, The Labeling Perspective, Conflict TheoriesTheory IntegrationSuggested ReadingsChapter 3: Policing and Law EnforcementIntroduction, Law Enforcement, Order Maintenance, ServiceStructure, Local, Sheriff, State, Federal, Special Police, TribalOrganization, Sworn vs. Civilian, Geography, TimePolice Work and Career Paths, The Hiring Process, Field Training, Promotion, SpecialtiesHistorical BackgroundThe American Experience, Political Era, Professional Era, Community Policing EraEnduring Elements and Issues, Police Subculture, Police Corruption, Harassment, Improper Use of Force, The Blue Wall, Who Will Guard the Guardians?Future IssuesSuggested ReadingsChapter 4: Courts and Legal IssuesIntroduction, Common Law, Sources of Law, Criminal vs. Civil Law, Adversarial System, Due Process vs. Crime Control, The Court System, Dual Court System, Jurisdiction, Assembly-Line Justice, Courtroom Workgroup, Attrition and Plea BargainingFederal Court SystemState Court SystemsCourt Actors, Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, JudgesMovement of Cases Through the Court SystemCurrent IssuesSuggested ReadingsChapter 5: CorrectionsIntroductionContemporary CorrectionsPunishment in Contemporary AmericaSentencing and Sanctions, Sentencing ModelsAvailable Sanctions, Community Supervision and Intermediate Sanctions, Jails, Prisons and Correctional Institutions, Prison Life, Release, and ReintegrationFuture Issues Facing CorrectionsSuggested ReadingsChapter 6: The Juvenile Justice SystemIntroductionDefining DelinquencyThe Development of the Juvenile Justice SystemThe Philosophy of the SystemThe Police and JuvenilesThe Juvenile Court, Detention, The Intake Decision, The Transfer (or Waiver) Decision, Adjudication, DispositionDue Process for JuvenilesJuvenile Corrections, Diversion, Institutional and Residential Interventions, Community InterventionsSpecial Topics, Gangs, Drugs and Delinquency, Capital Punishment and Juveniles, Calls to Eliminate the Juvenile SystemSuggested Readings

Editorial Reviews

"Occasionally someone comes along with a totally new idea for a book ... Lab, Williams, Holcomb, King, and Buerger hit all of the major topics in order to get uninitiated students up-to-speed in situations where they have not previously studied criminal justice. I like this approach."—Larry Mays, New Mexico State University

"I find this a novel and interesting approach, one that fills a gap in the available literature—how to introduce criminal justice to students whose major is not criminal justice. The book is well written, a reliable and solid contribution ... I strongly endorse it."—Scott Decker, University of Missouri

"The approach is excellent. How have we survived so long without this text? This is an excellent overview for students without a criminal justice background."—Olga Tsoudis, Wayne State University

From the Publisher