Introduction to Criminal Justice

Systems, Diversity, and Change

Helping students develop a passion to learn more about the dynamic field of criminal justice, this concise bestseller introduces students to the criminal justice system by following the case studies of four individuals in their real-life progression through the system. Each case study is strategically woven throughout the book to help students remember core concepts and make connections between different branches of the system. In addition to illustrating the real-life pathways and outcomes of criminal behavior and victimization, authors Callie Marie Rennison and Mary Dodge provide students with a more inclusive overview of criminal justice by offering insight into overlooked demographics and the perspectives of victims.

This newly revised Third Edition encourages students to think critically and discuss issues affecting today’s criminal justice system with engaging coverage of victims, criminal justice professionals, offenders, and controversial issues found in the criminal justice process.

New to this Edition

• Ten new “Policy Issues” boxes show students how recent policy has impacted the field of criminal justice with discussions of crime and undocumented immigrants, training for police officers when working with individuals who are mentally ill, the fear of violence on college campuses, and more.
• New full-page infographics, “Data Matters: The Story in Numbers,” brings data to life by breaking down complex information into accessible and interesting visuals—enabling students to better examine key issues from a clearer and more accurate perspective.
• Expanded discussion surrounding the legal definition of rape and how it applies to the highly publicized Brock Turner case further clarifies for students what is (and isn’t) considered rape in the eyes of the law across different states.
• Current topics affecting today’s criminal justice system encourage classroom discussion of pressing topics such as the country’s changing marijuana laws, why diversity in policing has been historically low, policing technology and privacy concerns, the policies of the Trump administration, and peer courts in the juvenile justice system.
• Updated statistics and data are included where available, along with an acknowledgement and discussion surrounding why some FBI and NCVS data had not been updated at the time of press.
• SAGE course outcomes help you track and measure student success. Crafted with specific goals in mind and vetted by advisors in the field, SAGE course outcomes clearly define and benchmark the knowledge and skills students are expected to achieve upon completion of your course.