California¿s Criminal Justice System, Third Edition, shares the history, purpose, structure, and procedures of California¿s criminal justice system. It begins with conversations about the state of crime in California, the demographics of crime, and the practices of legislative actions and direct democracy in creating state laws. The book includes discussions of criminal justice policies as well as criminal justice institutions such as policing, courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system. Each chapter is authored by an expert in the field and highlights some of the current issues, challenges, and controversies facing California¿s criminal justice system. The authors also highlight some of the current criminal justice policies and controversies within the state, including gun policy, sex crime policy, drug policy, capital punishment, realignment, gangs, and victims¿ rights. In addition, the authors include discussions on a variety of different employment opportunities related to criminal justice and the occupational outlook for these positions. This text is appropriate for undergraduate students in introductory courses on criminal justice, law, and government, and can be used either as a supplemental text or as a stand-alone resource for students.

California: The Politics of Diversity examines the diverse and hyperpluralistic nature of California and its people. No other textbook on California politics offers as much coverage and in-depth analysis of the state's political development, institutions, and public policies that have shaped the Golden State into what it is today.

This book explores the state of California — viewing the state as a holistic political culture that reflects the influence of multiple cultures, ethnic groups, and communities of interest. It starts with a broad historical foundation, and travels through cultural analyses and institutional discussions. The evaluation of specific policy issues affecting the state is an important stop along the way, and the crossroads that bring together the variety of analytic paths. This book is suited for individuals interested in California policy work, and gaining a better understanding of that state's unique political culture.

"A thorough yet concise overview of California institutions, politics, and initiative process, grounded in an overview of California’s political culture." —Ronnee Schreiber, San Diego State University The thoroughly revised Fifth Edition of California Politics: A Primer concisely explains how California’s history, political culture, rules, and institutions come together to shape politics today and how they will determine the state of affairs tomorrow. Author Renee B. Van Vechten begins with a brief political history of California, then walks through direct democracy, the legislature, executive branch, and court system. She covers local government and concludes with a discussion of the state’s budget process, campaigns and elections, political engagement, and policy issues. From the structure of the state′s government to its local representatives, policies, and voter participation, California Politics: A Primer delivers the concepts and details students need. New to the Fifth Edition An emphasis on California’s place in the federal system provides students with context around the state leadership′s resistance to Trump administration policies on things like California’s sanctuary state status, immigration, the environment, and more. Increased coverage of policy topics throughout the book helps students see how recent policy has impacted issues such as greenhouse gas emissions regulations, attempted "fixes" for water- and drought-related issues, new transportation projects, and prison reform. Extended discussions of elections-related innovations introduce students to recent elections-related topics such as the Top-Two Primary, efforts to increase voter registration, all vote-by-mail elections, and redistricting. New coverage of the "Five Californias" gives students a better understanding of California’s political geography and how distinct segments of the population are primed for political engagement or disaffection. New lists of key terms with clear definitions at the end of each chapter enable students to review the content more effectively. New and updated maps and graphics depict important topics such as California’s newly proposed high-speed rail project. Instructors, sign in at study.sagepub.com/california5e to access test banks built on Bloom’s Taxonomy; editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides; a set of all the graphics from the text; and more!

A readable and thought-provoking textbook, which clearly explains the politics and character of California’s governmental institutions and the dynamics affecting the lives of Californians. In addition to thorough coverage of California’s constitution and development, this book also examines each branch of government as well as local systems. Exploring the nature of public opinion, parties, and campaigns, the author seek to show the effects that the state’s diverse population has on all levels of politics and government.

Democracy in California: Politics and Government in the Golden State is readable and thought-provoking. It is not the standard 'textbook' example of a textbook. Brian P. Janiskee and Ken Masugi clearly explain the politics and character of California's governmental institutions and the dynamics affecting the lives of its citizens. The third edition is updated throughout and includes analysis of the 2010 election. In addition to thorough coverage of California's constitution and development, this book also examines each branch of government as well as local systems. As Janiskee and Masugi explore the nature of public opinion, parties, and campaigns, they show the effects that the state's diverse population has on all levels of politics and government. Janiskee and Masugi have added case studies to each chapter, bringing ideas to life and challenging the reader to become an active participant in California politics. The case studies are ideal starting points for class discussions. Perfect for courses in American government and state and local politics, Democracy in California is a succinct guide to the governmental intricacies of our nation's most populous state.