This text is based in three assumptions about the future direction of criminal justice as a discipline and the way the introductory course should be taught. The field of criminal justice is viewed as interdisciplinary. Research contributions come from criminology, sociology, law, history, psychology, and political science. The second assumption is that criminal justice involves public policies that are developed within the political framework of the democratic process. The text explores the political atmosphere surrounding the "three strikes and you're out" proposals and the handling of the crime of rape and its victims. Throughout the book, students are reminded that the definition of behaviors as criminal, the funding of criminal justice operations, and the election of judges and prosecutors all result from decisions that are politically influenced. The third theme is the system perspective on the administration of criminal justice. This perspective is reinforced graphically with illustrations of exchange relationships, the flow of decisionmaking, and the way the criminal justice system is embedded in a larger governmental and societal context. Chapter notes and suggestions for further reading, a glossary, and a subject index