Introduction to Criminal Justice

Systems, Diversity, and Change

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

• The new edition is available as a digital option through SAGE Vantage, an intuitive digital platform that offers auto-graded assignments and interactive multimedia tools—including video—all designed to enable students to better prepare for class.
• A new case study introduces Esther Lucero and follows her arrest, plea bargains, and her experiences with prison, parole, and reentry.  
• An emphasis on changes in policy and law that have occurred in the criminal justice system under the Trump administration illustrate adopted policies that are in stark contrast with established practices, including the use of private prisons, perspectives on recreational marijuana, the role of police, the shift in immigration policies, and even constitutional rights previously agreed upon.
• Discussions of the social changes that have impacted the criminal justice system encourage classroom discussion around recent movements that have led to record high numbers of men and women speaking up about sexual victimization as well as more women and people of color are running for elected office than previously documented.
• More examples of Asians, American Indians, and members of the LGBTQ community, as well as expanded discussions of diversity are seen throughout the book to help students understand why diversity matters, with attention to changes in immigration and how that is related to the criminal justice system.
• Updated statistics and estimates on crime, victimization, and elements of the criminal justice system, using the most recent data available, give students a more accurate picture of the current climate.
• Updated full-page infographics illustrate the story of an issue in criminal justice through data. These infographics encourage critical thinking and help students drawn data-informed conclusions.
• Current issues connected to key concepts in the book keep students engaged with the content by featuring new material on controversial issues, such as:
  
  • Black Lives Matter movement
  • Fatal shootings by police
  • The decriminalization and legalization of marijuana
  • Social media evidence in the courts and how emojis might influence a trial
  • Parameters of prison and effects of solitary confinement

• 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.
  
• Considering 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.