Introduction to Criminal Justice

"We are convinced that a good education in criminal justice-and in liberal arts generally-can significantly improve the performance of most criminal justice personnel by equipping them, as this text does, to think critically, act ethically, and solve problems effectively. Introduction to Criminal Justice, Tenth Edition, is not just for students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, however. It also is for students who simply want to learn more about this important social institution, which is vital to a free and democratic society. All citizens need to know their legal rights and responsibilities. The better informed citizens are, the better able they are to protect themselves. A major theme of this book is that much of what the public "knows" about criminal justice in the United States is myth-that is, it is either wrong or significantly misunderstood. Consequently, in addition to presenting current, accurate information about criminal justice in the United States and generally accepted interpretations of historical and modern developments, this book "sets the record straight" in areas where, we believe, many people are being misled. With the help of a quality education in criminal justice, people will feel more comfortable and better equipped to participate in criminal justice policy formulation. They also will be more effective in solving problems in their communities. They will have the critical thinking skills they need if they are to be constructive participants in a democratic nation and to have greater control over their own destinies"--