The book reviews concepts, information, and points of view that help to explain the context and constraints of the criminal justice system. The focus is on themes and evidence the authors believe are the most important criminal justice topics. The book is organized into six chapters, the first of which summarizes salient themes and concepts and recent developments in public policy and crime control. The second chapter reviews law enforcement initiatives and reforms and discusses the "thin blue line" metaphor of policing. The "war model" of crime control is critiqued, and the impact of various wars on crime and drugs are assessed, considering such issues as excessive use of force, community policing, and police professionalism. The third chapter summarizes sentencing philosophies, goals, and models and looks at the politicization of the courts. The fourth chapter discusses the consequences of recent sentencing reforms, while the fifth chapter reviews recent legislative changes in juvenile justice. The final chapter offers reflections about alternative models of criminal justice. References, notes, tables, figures, and photographs