Introductory chapters examine crime rates, crime control theories and policies, criminal justice system authority and organization, and participants. The steps in the criminal justice process are outlined with a focus on decisionmaking in detection, arrest, investigation, custody, prosecution, adjudication, sentencing, prisons, probation and parole, release and revocation, and juvenile justice administration. The history and role of each relevant agency and its personnel also is provided. Finally, contemporary issues and trends are examined. These include such controversial areas as capital punishment, prison overcrowding, and police powers. Other issues discussed include those related to crime control policy, terrorism and crisis response, violent juvenile crime, crimes by and against the elderly, and crime prevention. Chapter summaries and notes, name and subject index, glossary, and a topically arranged selected bibliography (approximately 2,600 references).