Explaining Criminal Justice / Edition 1

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, USA
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 System
Introduction: What Is Crime?
Measuring Crime
The Philosophies of the Criminal Justice System
Retribution
Deterrence
Rehabilitation
A System of Checks and Balances
The Four C's of the Criminal Justice System (Citizens, Cops, Courts, and Corrections)
Recent Trends in Criminal Justice
Suggested Readings
Chapter 2: Theories/Explanations of Crime
Introduction
Theoretical Schools of Thought
The Classical School
The Positivist School
Neoclassicism
Biological Explanations
Physical Appearance Theories
Genetics and Inheritance Explanations
Biosocial Approaches
Psychological Explanations
Psychoanalytic Approaches
Developmental Explanations
Learning Theories
Personality Traits
Sociological Explanations
The Ecological Perspective
Sociological Learning Theories
Subcultural Approaches
Routine Activities and Rational Choice
Social Control Theories
Strain Theories
The Labeling Perspective
Conflict Theories
Theory Integration
Suggested Readings
Chapter 3: Policing and Law Enforcement
Introduction
Law Enforcement
Order Maintenance
Service
Structure
Local
Sheriff
State
Federal
Special Police
Tribal
Organization
Sworn vs. Civilian
Geography
Time
Police Work and Career Paths
The Hiring Process
Field Training
Promotion
Specialties
Historical Background
The American Experience
Political Era
Professional Era
Community Policing Era
Enduring Elements and Issues
Police Subculture
Police Corruption
Harassment
Improper Use of Force
The Blue Wall
Who Will Guard the Guardians?
Future Issues
Suggested Readings
Chapter 4: Courts and Legal Issues
Introduction
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 Bargaining
Federal Court System
State Court Systems
Court Actors
Prosecutors
Defense Attorneys
Judges
Movement of Cases Through the Court System
Current Issues
Suggested Readings
Chapter 5: Corrections
Introduction
Contemporary Corrections
Punishment in Contemporary America
Sentencing and Sanctions
Sentencing Models
Available Sanctions
Community Supervision and Intermediate Sanctions
Jails
Prisons and Correctional Institutions
Prison Life, Release, and Reintegration
Future Issues Facing Corrections
Suggested Readings
Chapter 6: The Juvenile Justice System
Introduction
Defining Delinquency
The Development of the Juvenile Justice System
The Philosophy of the System
The Police and Juveniles
The Juvenile Court
Detention
The Intake Decision
The Transfer (or Waiver) Decision
Adjudication
Disposition
Due Process for Juveniles
Juvenile Corrections
Diversion
Institutional and Residential Interventions
Community Interventions
Special Topics
Gangs
Drugs and Delinquency
Capital Punishment and Juveniles
Calls to Eliminate the Juvenile System
Suggested 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