Introduction to the Criminal Justice System: A Practical Perspective

Introduction to the Criminal Justice System: A Practical Perspective examines the basic organization, structure, and function of the criminal justice system, while also illuminating contemporary issues and barriers that can delay, prevent, or impact the system’s function of achieving justice. Through stories from the field and discussions of everyday challenges, students are introduced to the criminal justice system through a uniquely practical lens.

The text is organized into five parts. In Part I, students learn foundational information about the American criminal justice system, crime and its impact, and criminal law and criminal justice. Part II explores the history of law enforcement, its organization and structure, and police and the law. In Part III, students read about the structure and organization of criminal courts, the pretrial and trial process, and sentencing, including the death penalty. Part IV speaks to community corrections and institutional corrections. Part V provides insights on juvenile justice and delinquency. In the final part, students consider the future of the criminal justice discipline and system.

Introduction to the Criminal Justice System is ideal for foundational courses in criminal justice, sociology, and social work.

Francis Williams has served as a practitioner, researcher, scholar, public speaker, and educator on issues of prevention programs, security, law enforcement, police and community relations, race and crime, and crime policy for over 38 years. He holds a Ph.D. from Northeastern University, a M.Ed. from Cambridge College, and is the program coordinator and a professor of criminal justice at Plymouth State University.

Laura Dykstra is an assistant professor of criminal justice at Plymouth State University. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research interests include drug-related crime, mental health, research methodology, and violent crime and victimization, especially among young adults.