Includes key terms, test Questions, and instructor tips. What do YOU think? How did criminal justice higher education evolve? Will sons of career criminals inevitably become criminals, too? Is it basically impossible to avoid? What is one of the most surprising tools that has successfully helped inmates? Why is the CSI Effect making police investigations harder? How does criminological theory relate to a students use of Facebook? Is an academic degree actually important if youre going to be a police officer? Is a correctional facility a valuable benefit or a dangerous liability to a community? Why do many college students engage in risky sexual behavior? Criminal justice researches provide students with tools they will use to begin a scholarly search for the answers.

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. Over the course of 10 chapters, students read illuminating selections regarding the death penalty, police conduct, the delicate balance of privacy and security, mental illness, gun control, drug policy, cybercrime, and cryptocurrency. Throughout, readers are encouraged not to take sides on a particular issue, but rather to address the challenge with realistic, practical thought and develop strategies for facing these challenges head on. Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice is an engaging and thought-provoking anthology that is well suited for undergraduate and graduate courses in criminal justice.

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.