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Criminal Justice in Action cover

Criminal Justice in Action

by Larry K. Gaines, Roger LeRoy Miller

11th Edition

Publisher: Cengage Learning

(0 reviews)
Social ScienceCriminology

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Book Details

Print ISBN9780357630785
eText ISBN9798214341033
PublisherCengage Learning
Publishing Year2021
Edition11th Edition
LanguageEnglish
Pages640

In an era defined by intense public debate over law enforcement practices, systemic equity, and judicial reform, understanding the mechanics of the American legal system is more critical than ever. Criminal Justice in Action 11th Edition meets this societal moment by transforming abstract legal concepts into an engaging, real-world exploration of the field. Larry K. Gaines and Roger LeRoy Miller present a highly visual, magazine-style guide that challenges readers to look beyond the headlines and examine the core principles of justice. By focusing on the tension between individual rights and public safety, this text empowers students to think critically about the policies that shape our daily lives.

The scope of this textbook spans the entire spectrum of the legal system, from the initial police contact to the complexities of sentencing and correctional rehabilitation. The authors guide readers through the foundational pillars of law enforcement, criminal courts, and corrections, using a balanced approach that highlights both theoretical models and practical applications. Rather than presenting a dry recitation of statutes, the narrative brings contemporary debates to life, covering topics such as police discretion, modern surveillance technologies, and the evolving landscape of juvenile justice. This comprehensive coverage ensures that readers develop a nuanced perspective on how various agencies interact to maintain social order.

Designed with modern learners in mind, the pedagogical framework utilizes captivating case studies, ethical dilemmas, and direct questions that prompt active classroom discussion. Instructors widely adopt Criminal Justice in Action 11th Edition for its accessible tone, interactive features, and its ability to prepare students for meaningful careers in public service or legal advocacy. For those seeking a flexible digital learning experience, the Criminal Justice in Action 11th Edition PDF offers seamless access to these vital resources across multiple devices. This edition introduces updated statistical data, landmark Supreme Court decisions, and fresh investigations into modern correctional policies, making it an indispensable tool for today's criminology and sociology classrooms.

Table of Contents

  1. Chapter 1: Criminal Justice Today

    • • The Consensus and Conflict Models
    • • The Structure of the Criminal Justice System
    • • The Informal Decision-Making Process
    • • Defining Crime and Justice Goals
  2. Chapter 2: Causes of Crime

    • • Criminology and the Scientific Method
    • • Biological and Psychological Theories
    • • Sociological Theories of Crime
    • • Social Conflict and Life Course Theories
  3. Chapter 3: The Crime Picture: Offenders and Victims

    • • Measuring Crime in the United States
    • • The Uniform Crime Reports (UCR)
    • • Victimology and the Impact of Crime
    • • Demographics and Crime Trends
  4. Chapter 4: Inside Criminal Law

    • • Written Sources of American Law
    • • The Four Functions of Criminal Law
    • • The Elements of a Crime
    • • Defenses Under Criminal Law
  5. Chapter 5: Law Enforcement Today

    • • The Responsibilities of the Police
    • • The History of American Policing
    • • Levels of Law Enforcement Agencies
    • • Private Security and Public Safety
  6. Chapter 6: Problems and Solutions in Modern Policing

    • • Police Organization and Administration
    • • Patrol Strategies and Investigations
    • • Community Policing and Problem-Oriented Policing
    • • Police Misconduct and Accountability
  7. Chapter 7: Police and the Constitution: The Rules of Law Enforcement

    • • The Fourth Amendment and Search Warrants
    • • Arrests and Probable Cause
    • • The Exclusionary Rule and Its Exceptions
    • • Interrogations and the Miranda Warning
  8. Chapter 8: Courts and the Quest for Justice

    • • The Structure of the American Court System
    • • The Role of the Judge
    • • The Prosecution and the Defense
    • • Courtroom Workgroups and Case Management
  9. Chapter 9: Pretrial Procedures: The Adversary System in Action

    • • The Booking and Initial Appearance
    • • Bail and Pretrial Detention
    • • The Grand Jury versus Preliminary Hearings
    • • Plea Bargaining and Prosecutorial Discretion
  10. Chapter 10: The Criminal Trial

    • • Constitutional Safeguards During Trial
    • • The Jury Selection Process
    • • Presentation of Evidence and Witnesses
    • • The Verdict and Appeals Process
  11. Chapter 11: Punishment and Sentencing

    • • The Four Philosophies of Sentencing
    • • Sentencing Structures and Guidelines
    • • The Role of the Presentence Investigation
    • • The Death Penalty Debate
  12. Chapter 12: Probation, Parole, and Intermediate Sanctions

    • • The Evolution of Community Corrections
    • • Conditions and Revocation of Probation
    • • Intermediate Sanctions and Diversion
    • • Parole and Prisoner Reentry Programs
  13. Chapter 13: Prisons and Jails

    • • The History of American Prisons
    • • Types of Correctional Facilities
    • • The Function and Administration of Jails
    • • The Rise of Private Prisons
  14. Chapter 14: The Prison Experience and Prisoner Reentry

    • • Prison Subcultures and Total Institutions
    • • The Experience of Female Inmates
    • • Correctional Programs and Rehabilitation
    • • The Challenges of Reintegration
  15. Chapter 15: The Juvenile Justice System

    • • The Evolution of Juvenile Justice
    • • Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Courts
    • • The Juvenile Court Process
    • • Trends in Juvenile Delinquency

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▶Research Sources (11)
  • Criminal Justice in Action by: Gaines/Miller - 9798214341033
  • Criminal Justice in Action, 11th Edition - 9780357630785 - Cengage
  • Book Information
  • Criminal Justice in Action [11 ed.] 9780357630785, 9780357630822 ...
  • [Request] Criminal Justice in Action, 11th Edition - Reddit
  • Criminal Justice in Action | Rent | 9780357630785 - eCampus.com
  • Criminal Justice in Action: 11th Edition PDF - Scribd
  • Criminal Justice in Action
  • Criminal Justice in Action (11th edition) - Alibris
  • Criminal Justice in Action, 11th Edition - 9780357630785 - Cengage
  • Criminal Justice in Action | Rent | 9780357630785 - Valore

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