In a general orientation section, a society's need for laws is discussed, and the development of the American criminal justice system is traced from its English roots to its present form. The scope and causes of the American crime problem are also examined from an historical and theoretical perspective. Basic characteristics of the components of the criminal justice system--law enforcement, courts, corrections--are outlined, and member agencies are identified and described. Phases of the criminal justice process, from commission of a crime through apprehension and entry into a corrections segment, are considered. The responsibilities of local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies are discussed, including descriptions of operations and entry requirements. A similar treatment is given to each of the line and support functions of police agencies. The expectations of law enforcement agencies from the perspectives of the courts, the community, and the police themselves are examined, and the impact of landmark court cases, the nature of police-community relations, and the personal demands of police service are explored as well. In the concluding section, trends in administration of justice that seek to improve the quality of police efforts (selection, education, and training), the composition of the force (women and minorities), and the mode of operation (system changes and philosophical and technological changes) are identified and critiqued. This book is intended as a text for students considering careers in criminal justice, in-service personnel who may not have learned the included subject matter in technical training, and students of other disciplines interested in justice administration. Summaries and review questions are included after each section, and the court structures of each State are appended. A glossary, subject index, and bibliography about 55 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)