Research showing increases in public fear of crime and its negative effects is reviewed, and the validity of police report data on which such fear is based is critically examined. The crime rates between 1973 and 1984 are used to consider changes in statistics and data from victimization surveys. Also examined are the development of various agencies; the basics of case processing within the criminal justice system from investigation through sentencing; and the role of the U.S. Constitution in case processing, with emphasis on the implications of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th amendments. A review of the current status of the death penalty discusses evidence about its deterrence effectiveness and costs. The development of policing is outlined, and discretionary decisions in policing and prosecution (particularly in plea-bargaining) are considered. Additional issues reviewed include judicial selection, court delays, and the role of defense counsel in criminal proceedings. Finally, the history of corrections is sketched, types of sanctions are described, and trends in incarceration rates are discussed. Chapter references, tables, and index.