This student-friendly introductory text describes the criminal justice process—outlining the decisions, practices, people, and issues involved. It provides a solid introduction to the mechanisms of the criminal justice system, with balanced coverage of the issues presented by each facet of the process, including a thorough review of practices and controversies in law enforcement, the criminal courts, and corrections.

• Systems approach to the criminal justice process provides students with an excellent foundation in the discipline
• Each chapter is enhanced by important terms, boxes, photos, and review questions
• An easy-to-access glossary offers a complete collection of essential terms in criminal justice