Discussion and debate are seen as essential components of the learning process. With that said, this book presents students and teachers with an opportunity to exchange viewpoints by focusing on a series of controversial issues in crime and criminology. Divided into 5 units (definitions and explanations of crime, justice issues and contemporary public policy, prison programs and alternatives, criminal justice research, evaluation, and policy analysis, and future trends in criminology and criminal justice) and 19 issues, this edition continues the tradition of previous editions by providing a detailed analysis of contemporary issues in crime and criminology. However, because the field changes so rapidly, it is important to reevaluate prior editions to determine if there are issues that have taken on a greater importance. Three new issues have been added to this edition, including: supermax prisons, right to torture, and the privatization of United States prisons. In addition, the readings have been updated to reflect more contemporary scholarship on two additional readings. For each issue, the editor provides a concise introduction and postscript summary. The introduction sets the stage for the debate as it is argued in the yes and no readings. The postscript briefly reviews the opposing opinions and suggests additional readings on the controversial issue under discussion. This book actively develops students’ critical thinking skills, and this development is the ultimate purpose of each of the volumes. Notes, references, figures, list of contributors, and index