This is a collection of daring chapters on the state of the discipline. Each chapter considers a specific criminal justice or criminological problem ... new or persistent ... with fresh eyes. The contributors pull no punches: their insights are novel, salient, and sometimes controversial. A Closer Look at Criminal Justice is thematically divided into three parts. Part 1: Criminal Justice and Criminology in Education, discusses how we teach our undergraduate students about race, the way we treat our graduate students, and inmate education. We wanted to highlight criminal justice education at the university level in the first part of the book in large part because this book is best suited in the classroom, but especially because as educators, we live and breathe the importance of education. The book progresses in Part 2, Theory and Praxis, with a discussion of applicable criminological theory and research methodology in criminal justice where the goal is to highlight the importance of using theory and research as the foundation for policy positions, support, and understanding. The remaining part of the book, Persistent Issues in Criminal Justice, provides fresh insights on "old" subjects and problems in the administration of justice, such as community policing, the aging prison population, and marijuana use in the United States of America. This book is best suited in senior seminars, capstone, or contemporary issues courses; master's level classes on the criminal justice system; and is also important for faculty members and doctoral students with a vested interest in the current tempo of criminal justice practice, research, education, and thought. Reading this book, students and scholars should have a better idea of the current issues facing our discipline, particularly those issues that do not get as much exposure as others.

This book shows how to reduce out-of-control criminal justice and create greater public safety, justice, and accountability at less cost.

A contemporary guide to the criminal justice process, the broad scope of this book means it will be a trusted companion throughout a Criminology and/or Criminal Justice degree. The contents of An Introduction to Criminal Justice include: 23 chapters spanning all that’s involved with, and fully contextualising, the criminal justice process: the agencies, institutions and processes and procedures that deal with victims, offenders and offending A detailed timeline of criminal justice since 1945 Consideration of victims and witnesses, complaints and misconduct A comprehensive review of policing, prosecution, the courts, imprisonment and community sanctions A focus on community safety, crime prevention and youth justice A review of the effectiveness of the criminal justice process Exploration of global and international dimensions as well as the futures of criminal justice Lots of helpful extras including further reading suggestions, case studies, self-study questions and a glossary of terms. The accompanying website to An Introduction to Criminal Justice has: A podcast interview with a police officer Practice essay questions Multiple choice questions Suggested website resources to explore Videos.

As heard on NPR's Fresh Air Recommended by The New York Times' Sam Roberts “Start Here is an urgent and timely primer on the approaches that are working and don’t require federal approval or political revolution to end one of the most pressing justice issues the country faces today.” —Brooklyn Daily Eagle A bold agenda for criminal justice reform based on equal parts pragmatism and idealism, from the visionary director of the Center for Court Innovation, a leader of the reform movement Everyone knows that the United States leads the world in incarceration, and that our political process is gridlocked. What can be done right now to reduce the number of people sent to jail and prison? This essential book offers a concrete roadmap for both professionals and general readers who want to move from analysis to action. In this forward-looking, next-generation criminal justice reform book, Greg Berman and Julian Adler of the Center for Court Innovation highlight the key lessons from these programs—engaging the public in preventing crime, treating all defendants with dignity and respect, and linking people to effective community-based interventions rather than locking them up. Along the way, they tell a series of gripping stories, highlighting gang members who have gotten their lives back on track, judges who are transforming their courtrooms, and reformers around the country who are rethinking what justice looks like. While Start Here offers no silver bullets, it does put forth a suite of proven reforms—from alternatives to bail to diversion programs for mentally ill defendants—that will improve the lives of thousands of people right now. Start Here is a must-read for everyone who wants to start dismantling mass incarceration without waiting for a revolution or permission. Proceeds from the book will support the Center for Court Innovation's reform efforts.

Rule of law has vanished in America’s criminal justice system. Prosecutors decide whom to punish; most accused never face a jury; policing is inconsistent; plea bargaining is rampant; and draconian sentencing fills prisons with mostly minority defendants. A leading criminal law scholar looks to history for the roots of these problems—and solutions.

Criminal Justice Ethics examines the criminal justice system through an ethical lens by identifying ethical issues in practice and theory, exploring ethical dilemmas, and offering suggestions for resolving ethical issues and dilemmas faced by criminal justice professionals. Bestselling author Cyndi Banks draws readers into a unique discussion of ethical issues by first exploring moral dilemmas faced by professionals in the criminal justice system and then examining the major theoretical foundations of ethics. This distinct and unique organization allows readers to understand real-life ethical issues before grappling with philosophical approaches to the resolution of these issues.