"The 100 alphabetical entries in this two-volume set provide readers with a comprehensive, balanced view of controversial subjects in criminal justice. Entries vary widely, ranging from Cameras in the Courtroom and Marijuana Medicalization to Guantanamo Detainees and Torture and Enemy Combatants. Although the volumes generally focus on issues within the United States, some entries deal with international issues (Supremacy of International Law, Post-Apartheid Justice). Entries range from 2,000 to 5,000 words; they usually contain an introduction, background, key events, legal decisions, and future prospects. The format allows readers to grasp quickly the pertinent issues in understanding a topic, or to focus on a specific section of a topic. Sidebars often provide quirky tidbits concerning entries. The information is concise, clear, and well-balanced. Useful tools include a guide to related topics, and comprehensive and subject indexes. Cross-referencing, a bibliography, endnotes, and further reading lists help readers locate additional material. These volumes are indispensable to an understanding of the nuances of frequently divisive issues in criminal justice. Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers." - Choice
"Representing a multiplicity of cultural stances, including supposed liberal, moderate, radical, and conservative points of view all guided by empirical, research-based realities the entries feature an introduction; historical content; reviews of important dealings, ideas, or persons; summaries of key court cases; future issues and/or possible resolutions; and five to 12 books, articles, and/or websites for further reading....Suitable for larger public and academic libraries serving students and researchers of controversial topics in criminal justice systems." - Library Journal
"This encyclopedia examines the most significant criminal-justice controversies throughout American history, with emphasis on current debates and trends....Treatment is objective and factual, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. Sidebars and case examples provide additional information, and sources for further reading point readers to other important materials....The focus of Battleground: Criminal Justice makes it useful to researchers looking for more depth on the aspects of criminal justice it covers. Recommended for academic and large public libraries." - Booklist
"One hundred signed entries ranging from about 2,000 to 5,000 words are arranged alphabetically by title in two volumes, with a thematic listing of entries and an index providing topical access. Broad themes include law and society (such topics as antiterrorism laws, immigration and employment law enforcement, search warrants, stalking laws); law enforcement; prosecution, courts, and adjudication; punishment and corrections; science and criminal justice; and social issues. Making the material accessible to students (high school and above) and general readers, entries share a common structure: introduction, background, key events, legal decisions, future prospects, further reading (five to 12 books, articles, or websites), and sidebars explaining controversies or highlighting interesting aspects." - SciTech Book News
"The 100 alphabetical entries in this two-volume set provide readers with a comprehensive, balance view of controversial subjects in criminal justice… The format allows readers to grasp quickly the pertinent issues in understanding a topic, or to focus on a specific section of a topic. Sidebars often provide quirky tidbits concerning entries. The information is concise, clear, and well balanced. Useful tools include a guide to related topics, and comprehensive and subject indexes. Cross-referencing, a bibliography, endnotes, and further reading lists help readers locate additional material. These volumes are indispensable to an understanding of the nuances of frequently divisive issues in criminal justice. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/ researchers; general readers." - Choice Reviews Online ShelfLife: Criminal Justice Reference Resources
"Each excellent entry is approximately 200 to 500 words and portrays a similar sequence of section format. The style and format focus the reader’s thoughts and provide a smooth transition to related entries. Battleground: Criminal Justice would serve as an excellent contribution to libraries in the United States and has opportunities for international sales. Community college and university libraries may also welcome this set of encyclopedias in their collection. Secondary schools may consider adopting Battleground: Criminal Justice because of student interest in crime and course offerings in criminal justice. The interdisciplinary content and comparative justice issues are exceptional for study in a broad array of social science courses." - ARBA