A Practical Guide to Criminal Justice: Curated Introductory Readings provides students with a collection of articles that detail the inner workings of the criminal justice system, highlight firsthand experiences within it, present key definitions in the field, and pose challenging questions to help them develop critical thought. The opening chapter introduces readers to essential definitions of crime, sources used to collect data on crimes committed, various perceptions on crime, and how other countries' crime rates compare to those of the United States. Additional readings address policing history and reform; police functions, management, and styles; counterterrorism and homeland security; the history and evolution of the U.S. court system; individuals' rights and due process; profiles of the criminal defendant; and the offender's trajectory throughout the system. Readers learn about the U.S. prison system, calls for reform, and challenges within the system, as well as issues related to juvenile justice, including current statistics, attitudes toward the police, and the school-to-prison pipeline. The closing chapter focuses on justice within our society and how it can be perceived and defined. A Practical Guide to Criminal Justice is an exemplary resource for introductory courses and programs in criminal justice.
