Existing knowledge based on research inevitably has certain weaknesses associated with the heuristic nature of scientific work. An important weakness in criminological research involves the variable-oriented paradigm, that is, an emphasis on single aspects isolated from the context of other related aspects operating at the same time. Some argue for dynamic contextualism, based on a more holistic view of the person, as a promising approach to criminological research. Many researchers are concerned about the link between growing social and economic inequality and crime and argue that the root causes of crime lie outside the reach of the criminal justice system. Specific research studies included in the current volume focus on the sociology of crime and inequality in the United States, homicide between adult sexual intimates in Australia, children with conduct problems, and the link between cocaine use and crime. In addition, the research studies explore rational choice theory and crime prevention, trends in crime and punishment, the impact of declining police resources on crime, police crime control strategies and tactics, and gun availability and suicide in Canada. References, tables, and figures