Summary

Controversies in criminal justice are often framed in a "pro and con" format, emphasizing irreconcilable differences. Distinguished contributors to this original collection explore controversial issues in various parts of the criminal justice system, taking the approach that controversy should lead to recognition of common interests, and emphasizing a search for solutions. They examine various parts of the criminal justice system, beginning with types of crime, then focusing on the police, the courts, and finally imprisonment and its alternatives. This thorough and lucid volume is indispensable for students, scholars, and professionals interested in criminal justice. "The issues highlighted provide a good guide to major concerns in criminal justice in the States at present, covering organized crime, medical fraud, links between rape and pornography availability, killing of people by the police, police ′sting′ operations, the insanity defence, wrongful conviction, home incarceration with electronic monitoring, probation, legal challenges to prison overcrowding and selective incapacitating. . . . I′m sure most readers will find something of interest." --Labour Campaign for Criminal Justice "Scott and Hirschi provide a well-organized reader that will be useful to all those studying criminal justice--students, and funding agencies as well as professionals in the field." --Foundation News "Introduces subject matter not typically covered in criminal justice or criminology courses. . . . The text has much to offer the undergraduate students." --American Journal of Police