Arguably, there is no discipline more deeply entrenched within the many aspects of homeland security: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery than criminal justice. Agencies in criminal justice at the local, State, national, and international levels must coordinate to defend and respond to threats to the United States homeland. There are many aspects of homeland security and its connection with criminal justice. In order to better understand the connection of homeland security and criminal justice a few areas must be explored. These include terrorism, homeland security, documents related to homeland security, and finally threats and challenges. Homeland security is an ever evolving study of history, emergency management technology, international events, economic, political and religious struggles unfolding daily. This special issue discusses these challenges. References