The criminal justice process is examined in terms of factors affecting public policies. Classical, positivist, biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime causation are reviewed. Theories underlying the rule of law are discussed and principles of substantive and procedural criminal law are delineated. The goals and agencies of criminal justice and decisionmaking processes also are considered. An examination of the police function covers history, policy, decisionmaking, roles and responsibilities, and operations. Policing issues such as police-community relations, police brutality and corruption, female and minority recruitment, and private policing are considered. The structure, management, and functioning of the court are explained; and pretrial, trial, and posttrial processes are described. Roles and responsibilities of the prosecuting and the defense attorney are delineated. The purposes and forms of criminal sanctions are discussed, and the types and impact of sentencing reform are considered. The development and organization of corrections are set forth. A discussion of incarceration considers prison populations, programs, staffing, and violence, as well as prisoners' rights. Assumptions and forms of community corrections (probation, parole, prerelease programs, alternatives to incarceration) also are presented. Finally, the history and operation of the juvenile justice system and juvenile treatment strategies are assessed. Glossary, index, chapter discussion questions, notes, readings, and figures.