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Introduction to Criminal Justice
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Introduction to Criminal Justice
Systems, Diversity, and Change

Fifth Edition
Available with:
Learning platform
January 2025 | 448 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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Introduction to Criminal Justice: Systems, Diversity, and Change, Fifth Edition offers students a brief, yet thorough, introduction to criminal justice with up-to-date coverage of all aspects of the system in succinct and engaging chapters. Authors Callie Marie Rennison and Mary Dodge weave four true criminal case studies throughout the book, capturing students’ attention with memorable stories that illustrate the real-life pathways and outcomes of criminal behavior and victimization. These case studies provide a fresh, exciting, and practical view of the interconnected criminal justice system. The text also explores often-overlooked topics such as victims, terrorism, white-collar crime, diversity, and the role of the media, providing a more complete understanding of the system’s complexities.
 
Preface
 
Thank You
 
About the Authors
 
Part I: Foundations
 
Chapter 1. An Introduction to Crime and the Criminal Justice System
Introduction: Making Our Way Through the Criminal Justice System

 
What Is the Criminal Justice System?

 
Jennifer Schuett: A Case of Attempted Murder and Rape

 
Esther Lucero: A Case of Plea Bargains, Incarcerations, and Reentry

 
Joshua Paul Benjamin: A Case of Sexual Assault

 
Danny Madrid: A Case of a Gang Member and Attempted Murder

 
How Does the Criminal Justice System Work?

 
Crime Definitions Change Over Time

 
The Criminal Justice System: Purpose and Perspectives

 
Criminal Justice and Public Policy

 
Crime and the Media

 
Criminal Justice Versus Criminology

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 2: The Nature And Extent Of Crime
Introduction: Why and How Is Crime Measured?

 
FBI Measurement of Crime

 
Bureau of Justice Statistics Measurement of Crime

 
Violent and Property Crime Rates and Trends

 
Measuring Cybercrime, Terrorism, and White-Collar Crime

 
Fear and Risk of Victimization

 
Theory in Criminal Justice

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 3: Criminal Justice and the Law
Introduction: The Development of Law

 
History of Law

 
The Role and Purpose of Law

 
Sources of Criminal Law

 
Types of Law

 
Legal Definitions

 
Evolving Standards and Practices

 
The Rights of Victims

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Part II: Law Enforcement
 
Chapter 4: The History of Policing
Introduction: Policing as a Dynamic Entity

 
Early English Policing

 
Colonial America and Policing

 
Advancing Professionalism in Policing: 20th-Century Reform

 
Diversity in Policing

 
Unrest in Policing (1960s and 1970s)

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 5: On the Streets: Organization, Responsibilities, and Challenges
Introduction: Contemporary Policing

 
The Police Organization

 
The Police Role

 
Who Are the Police?

 
Community Policing

 
Intelligence-Led/Evidence-Based Policing

 
21st-Century Policing

 
Controversial Issues in Policing

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 6: Police and the Rule of Law
Introduction: The Importance of Justice, Law, and Order

 
Police and the Courts

 
Due Process and Police Activities

 
Technology

 
Warrant Requirements and Serving Warrants

 
Custodial Interrogation

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Part III: Courts
 
Chapter 7: The Courts and Judiciary
Introduction: The Court Process

 
Federal and State Court Systems

 
Court Congestion and the Consequences

 
Specialized and Problem-Solving Courts

 
The Judiciary

 
Diversity in the Judiciary

 
Court Administration and Management

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 8: The Prosecution, Defense, and Pretrial Activities
Introduction: Actors and Procedures in the Courtroom

 
The Prosecutor

 
The Defense Attorney

 
After the Arrest: Charging the Defendant

 
Bail and Pretrial Events

 
Plea Bargains

 
Discovery, Motions, and Scheduling

 
Jury Selection

 
Diversity and Pretrial Events

 
Technology in the Courtroom

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 9: The Criminal Trial and Sentencing
Introduction: The Criminal Trial and Sentencing

 
Reaching a Verdict

 
Sentencing

 
A Special Criminal Trial: Capital Cases

 
Victims of Crime and the Criminal Trial

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Part IV: Corrections
 
Chapter 10: Correctional Responses in the Community
Introduction: Corrections in the Community

 
The History of Corrections in the Community in the United States

 
Contemporary Use of Corrections in the Community

 
Goals of Correctional Responses in the Community

 
Types of Correctional Responses in the Community

 
Effectiveness of Corrections in the Community

 
Probation Officers

 
Diversity in Community Corrections

 
Technology and Community Corrections

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 11: Institutional Corrections
Introduction: Institutional Corrections

 
Historical Perspectives in Institutional Corrections

 
Current Perspectives in Institutional Corrections

 
Contemporary Jails and Lockups

 
Contemporary Prisons

 
Technology and Institutional Corrections

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 12: Prison Life and Life After Prison
Introduction: Living in Prison

 
Classification Systems and Solitary Confinement

 
Prison Violence

 
Prison Challenges

 
Life After Prison: Parole and Reentry

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Part V: Beyond The Basics
 
Chapter 13: The Juvenile Justice System
Introduction: The Juvenile Justice System

 
Juvenile Justice: A Brief History

 
Establishing Juvenile Rights

 
The Contemporary Juvenile Justice System

 
Steps in the Juvenile Justice System

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Chapter 14: Exploring Specialized and Topical Issues
Introduction: Overview of Specialized and Topical Issues

 
Mass Shootings

 
Terrorism and Homeland Security

 
Domestic Human and Sex Trafficking

 
Hate Crimes and Bias-Motivated Crimes

 
A Focus on Violence Against Specific Populations: #MeToo and Violence Against College Students

 
Forensic Science

 
CSI Effect

 
Chapter Wrap-Up

 
Key Points

 
Review Questions

 
Critical Thinking Matters

 
 
Appendix: The Bill of Rights
 
Glossary
 
Notes
 
Index
Key features
NEW TO THIS EDITION:
  • The new edition is available in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.
    • NEW! Audiobook Player allows students to listen to text content, boosting comprehension and retention. It offers flexible, on-the-go access, engaging both reluctant readers and auditory learners, improving the overall reading experience.
    • The Offline Reading option in the Student Dashboard offers greater accessibility to Vantage’s reading content, regardless of where students are or how strong their internet connection may be.
  • Updated statistics and data throughout the text.
  • Updated Policy Issues boxes address current and controversial topics in the field of criminal justice.
  • Updated material on the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana.
  • Increased coverage of mass shootings and active shooter response.
  • Expanded coverage of the parameters of prison, the effects of solitary confinement, and the death penalty. Updated full-page infographics illustrate criminal justice issues through data, helping students connect related information and fostering critical thinking.
KEY FEATURES:
  • Diversity is emphasized in all aspects of the criminal justice system including offenders, victims, employees, and sentencing, to help students understand the importance of openly discussing these critical issues.
  • Four true-crime criminal justice cases progress from chapter to chapter, showing students the interplay and connectedness of the criminal justice system to help make the material easier to remember and understand.
  • Common Misconceptions boxes bring clarity to often misunderstood topics and help students understand the realities of the criminal justice system.
  • Policy Issues boxes serve as a foundation for students to consider the complexities of policy and think critically about the impact it has on the criminal justice system.
  • Ethical Issues boxes integrated into each chapter provide students with the opportunity to apply the material and consider how to respond ethically to common situations in criminal justice.
  • Contemplating Careers boxes engage students’ interests in a variety of fields in criminal justice by introducing them to skills, responsibilities, salaries, and work environments, as well as the personality characteristics that make for an ideal candidate.
Vantage Reference: 
Introduction to Criminal Justice - Vantage Learning Platform

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