An introduction discusses the nature of criminal law, the concept of crime, defenses, crime rates, and components of criminal justice systems and introduces the criminal cases of O.J. Simpson, Susan Smith, and the Menendez brothers as examples that will be cited throughout the text. The section on policing explores the structure and function of policing and the major problems and issues experienced by police. The analysis of courts examines the procedures and issues that arise from arrest through sentencing and appeals. The chapters on corrections examine both institutional and community corrections, with particular attention on interactions between inmates and correctional guards, legal issues regarding prison conditions, community supervision, the specific characteristics of the juvenile justice system, and the handling of serious juvenile offenders. Figures, tables, photographs, chapter notes, detailed study guide for the entire text, glossary, and index