Introduction to Criminology, Seventh Edition is a comprehensive introduction to the study of criminology designed for an introductory undergraduate courses. The book focuses on the vital core of criminological theory--theory, method, and criminal behavior. Hagan investigates all forms of criminal activity, such as organized crime, white collar crime, political crime, and environmental crime. He explains the methods of operation, the effects on society, and how various theories account for criminal behavior. New to this edition: Expansion of material on psycho-social and bio-social theories Additional coverage of terrorism in Ch. 11, along with ethics in the research methods chapter, Ch. 2 New chapter on Cybercrime New Epilogue on the future of crime and the newest criminological theories New Career Feature Boxes New Crime Files Feature Boxes End-of-Chapter Web Research Exercises New full-color design and photo program In-text links to study site Expanded study site resources including video of the author and original podcasts recorded by the author for each chapter Blackboard and Web CT compatibility

This reader, organized by type of methodology -- experimental, survey and field research, analysis of records, and secondary data analysis -- offers case studies and commentary about research design, varying research approaches, the process of measurement, and the concepts of reliability and validity. The book includes 20 articles drawn from major scholarly journals, each accompanied by a Commentaries section written by the original author. The commentaries provide a behind-the-scenes perspective, discussions of why a particular methodology was chosen, problems that occurred, and how the research results differed from expectations. Each article also has an original introduction and conclusion section, meant to help readers understand the nature, issues and conduct of the study.

II Judicial -- A Practitioners -- 11. Representing the Underdog: The Righteous Development of Death Penalty Defense Attorneys -- 12. How Can You Prosecute These People? -- 13. Calling Your Bluff: How Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys Adapt Plea Bargaining Strategies to Increased Formalization -- 14. Examining the Death Penalty Insider Perspective: Capital Bench and Bar Interviews -- 15. Maintaining the Myth of Individualized Justice: Probation Presentence Reports -- B Outsiders -- 16. Preparing to Testify: Rape Survivors Negotiating the Criminal Justice Process

The aim of this book is to explain in clear terms some of the main methodological approaches in legal research. This is an edited collection, with each chapter written by specialists in their field, researching in a variety of jurisdictions. Each contributor addresses the topic of "lay decision makers in the legal system" from one particular methodological perspective, explaining how they would approach the issue and discussing why their particular method might, or might not, be suited to this topic. In asking all contributors to focus on the same topic, the editors have sought to provide a common link throughout the text, thereby providing the reader with an opportunity to draw comparisons between methods with relative ease. In light of the broad geographical range of its contributors, the book is aimed at an international readership. This book will be of particular interest to PhD students in law, but it will also be of use to undergraduate dissertation students in law, LL.M Research students as well as prospective PhD students and early year researchers.

Each semester, thousands of students choose introductory courses in criminology, criminal justice, and sociology. Many are motivated to do so by a strong desire to help others and to make a positive contribution to society. But turning these feelings into postgraduate careers remains a challenge. Some students choose law school, while others become police officers, but there are many other options. This book offers guidance to students interested in working in the broad field of criminal justice, but who are unclear as to what direction to take. Further, it posits that understanding differences between people—race/ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation—is a critical component of any fulfilling career in criminal justice. Essays by leading scholars, practitioners, and advocates delineate the latest feminist and methodological approaches in criminological research and offer a hands-on look at how lawyers, public sociologists, academics, and federal researchers grapple with issues of race, class, and gender in their work. This book exposes students to a greater understanding of the range of career opportunities available in criminal justice and criminology: as researchers, professionals, activists, teachers, and practitioners. Examining diversity across these three dimensions, this anthology will become a standard text for introductory criminal justice, criminology, and sociology courses, as well as an invaluable guide for students and ordinary people interested in a career in the criminal justice field.