Forensic DNA analysis was first introduced to the American criminal justice system in the mid-1980s. Since then, DNA testing has become the leading forensic tool both for obtaining sexual assault criminal convictions and for establishing the innocence of criminal suspects and wrongfully convicted defendants. This encyclopedia provides straightforward information on the role of DNA in the American courts. Entries explain the relationship of forensic DNA analysis to microbiology, population genetics, statistics, and the legal rules of the admissibility of scientific evidence. Full texts, preceded by summaries, are presented of all the statutes created by the states and the federal government that address the forensic use of DNA analysis, and the edited text of judicial case opinions that address specific DNA issues. There are many entries on organizations that use DNA testing to free wrongly convicted defendants and on individuals who were released from prison (many from death row) after DNA tests proved their innocence.

A comprehensive, three-volume set that provides detailed background essays, short topical entries, and primary document excerpts to explain the organization, history, and functioning of the U.S. justice system. The U.S. Justice System: An Encyclopedia is a one-stop resource, uniquely structured to include both introductory information as well as more in-depth and detailed resources. It explains not only how the American civil and criminal justice system affects the parties to a particular case or other legal action, but also how the rights, benefits, and legal protections of our country impact virtually all people in America. The set comprises three volumes. The first volume provides chapter-length essays explaining the organization and functioning of federal, state, and local government, as well as the working of federal and state judiciaries, regulatory bodies, and penal systems. The second volume contains shorter, alphabetically arranged entries on hundreds of law-related topics, including case descriptions and biographies of major figures, federal and state court organizational charts, legal statistics, and other background information. The third volume contains original documents, statutes, and texts of important cases relevant to the functioning of the American justice system. Readers will understand the structures, concepts, and vocabulary of American law and legal institutions, and grasp how the U.S. legal system has evolved to meet the complex changing needs of the nation.

An inter-disciplinary survey of crime and violence in America with historical perspective, but primary entry emphasis focused on the 20th century. Addressing specifically the period from 1960 to the present, this reference also projects into the 21st century with contemporary terminology covering aspects of violent crime, DNA evidence, terrorism, riots, gangs, guns and gun control, AIDS, drug and drug related crime, and corporate and political crime. A Bibliographic Essay, Table of Cases, and Index enrich this work designed for students, scholars, and professionals in criminal justice and related fields.

An inter-disciplinary survey of crime and violence in America with historical perspective, but primary entry emphasis focused on the 20th century. Addressing specifically the period from 1960 to the present, this reference also projects into the 21st century with contemporary terminology covering aspects of violent crime, DNA evidence, terrorism, riots, gangs, guns and gun control, AIDS, drug and drug related crime, and corporate and political crime. A Bibliographic Essay, Table of Cases, and Index enrich this work designed for students, scholars, and professionals in criminal justice and rela.

"The Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment provides the much-needed practices, policies, and research and will be of interest to students, teachers, and the general reader alike. This work should be on the shelves of all libraries with collections in the social sciences." Larry E. Sullivan, Ph.D. Chief Librarian, John Jay College of Criminal Justice Crime. It started with Cain and Abel, and it won't end with the Sopranos. Our fascination with transgression and its punishment is universal. And now, from Sage – the publisher of criminal justice abstracts and other standards in the field – comes the ultimate reference source on this all-consuming subject: comprehensive, authoritative, up-to-the second. Comprehensive and balanced coverage of: Concepts and theories Correction Law Crimes Methods and statistics National surveys Organizations Police science Social and cultural context Features and benefits: - 100% original content - Broader, more up-to-date coverage than any other source on the market 275 Contributors 425 Signed entries 150 Illustrations Prestigious advisory board overseeing quality 1.5 million words 250 sidebars offering key primary source documents 100 "factoids," spotlighting important, and sometimes startling, information International coverage, with focus on the contemporary United States Chronology, master bibliography, and general index Appendixes: Careers in criminal justice; Professional organizations; Guidance on using the Web to collect accurate information Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment covers the waterfront. Entries include: Broken windows theory Child witness Environmental crime Interpol Media Pathology Prison industry Religion in prison Securities fraud Spectator violence Television Victimization War crimes Wrongful convictions ADVISORY BOARD Anita Blowers University of North Carolina, Charlotte Eve Buzawa University of Massachusetts, Lowell Ric Curtis John Jay College of Criminal Justice Harry Dammer Niagara University Obi Ebbe University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Frank Horvath Michigan State University Phyllis Schultze Rutgers University Larry Sullivan John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Rev. ed. of: The encyclopedia of American law. [1st ed.]. c2002.