This current collection of essays on contemporary U.S. criminal justice policy is a timely response to the significant recent growth of policy-oriented research in the fields of criminology and criminal justice. "U.S. Criminal Justice Policy: A Contemporary Reader" addresses how criminal justice policy issues are framed, identifies participants in the policy process, discusses how policy is made, and considers the constraints and opportunities found in the policy process. Findings are linked to broader institutional, cultural and global criminal justice trends, and are used to determine what recent research reveals about crime policy and democratic governance. The main goal of this book is to encourage readers to engage in a dialogue about criminal justice policy, and to think about the potential for criminal justice reform.

For courses in Introduction to Criminal Justice The gold standard for criminal justice texts Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction, Eleventh Edition offers a contemporary, authoritative look at crime in America with a focus on police, courts, and corrections. To make information resonate with students, Schmalleger asks readers to consider the balance between freedom and security issues and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the American justice system as it adapts to cultural, political, and societal changes. An interactive website along with author tweets (@schmalleger) extends chapter material and provides up-to-the minute information on this ever-evolving field. Its unifying theme, unmatched timeliness, and coverage of trends and technology make this text the standard by which all other brief texts are judged. Personalize learning with MyCJLab MyCJLab is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment program designed to work with this text to engage students and improve results.This powerful homework and test manager lets you create, import, and manage online homework assignments, quizzes, and tests that are automatically graded. You can choose from a wide range of assignment options, including time limits, proctoring, and maximum number of attempts allowed. The bottom line: MyLab means less time grading and more time teaching. NOTE: You are purchasing a standalone product; MyCJLab does not come packaged with this content. If you would like to purchase both the Student Value Edition and MyCJLab, search for 0134206681.

Designed to inspire conversation and critical thinking, Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice presents students with a carefully selected collection of readings regarding timely and relevant issues within the criminal justice discipline. Readers are challenged to develop informed opinions on individual topics and then take a step back to consider all of the issues addressed to better understand the complex challenges of working within the criminal justice system.

Introduction to the Criminal Justice System: A Practical Perspective examines the basic organization, structure, and function of the criminal justice system, while also illuminating contemporary issues and barriers that can delay, prevent, or impact the system's function of achieving justice. Through stories from the field and discussions of everyday challenges, students are introduced to the criminal justice system through a uniquely practical lens. The text is organized into five parts. In Part I, students learn foundational information about the American criminal justice system, crime and its impact, and criminal law and criminal justice. Part II explores the history of law enforcement, its organization and structure, and police and the law. In Part III, students read about the structure and organization of criminal courts, the pretrial and trial process, and sentencing, including the death penalty. Part IV speaks to community corrections and institutional corrections. Part V provides insights on juvenile justice and delinquency. In the final part, students consider the future of the criminal justice discipline and system. Introduction to the Criminal Justice System is ideal for foundational courses in criminal justice, sociology, and social work. For a look at the specific features and benefits of Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, visit cognella.com/introduction-to-the-criminal-justice-system-features-and-benefits.

This text provides a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice and criminology curriculum through contributed essays designed to review and expand upon key areas of study. The text will explore and examine theory, cases, laws and policies as they have been shaped by a larger social, cultural, and historical context. Topics span the gamut of the Criminal Justice and Criminology curriculum, including crime theory, law enforcement, jurisprudence, corrections and organizations.