PART I OF THE TEXT CONSIDERS THE PROBLEMS OF DEFINING CRIME, THE CRIMINAL, AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE LAW TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE. A DISCUSSION OF THE 'KNOWN' EXTENT OF CRIME AS WELL AS OF VICTIMLESS AND ORGANIZED CRIME IS INCLUDED. THE AMERICAN POLICE SYSTEM IS EXAMINED FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE UNIFORMED POLICE OFFICER IN A LARGE METROPOLITAN AREA. THE BAIL PROCESS AND GRAND JURY SYSTEMS ARE DETAILED. ALSO DISCUSSED ARE THE COURTS, THE CRIMINAL PROCESS, AND STEPS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE. THE STAGES OF THE CRIMINAL TRIAL AND MANY OF THE LEGAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROSECUTION AND DEFENSE OF A CRIMINAL CHARGE ARE EXAMINED. PART II CONCENTRATES ON PLEA BARGAINING, WHICH DISPOSES OF MOST CRIMINAL CASES FOLLOWING A DECISION BY THE PROSECUTOR TO SEEK A CONVICTION. SENTENCING IS ANALYZED IN THAT ALL CONVICTED PERSONS MUST GO THROUGH THIS STAGE OF THE CRIMINAL PROCESS. AN HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY ANALYSIS OF CRIMINAL CONFINEMENT IS PRESENTED, AND ALTERNATIVES TO IT ARE REVIEWED. THE TEXT CONCLUDES WITH A DISCUSSION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF PRISONERS. REFERENCES AND AN INDEX ARE APPENDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED).