Chapter Questions
Describe the American experience with crime during the last half century. What noteworthy criminal incidents or activities occurred during that time, and what social and economic conditions might have produced them?
What is the theme of this book? According to that theme, what are the differences between the individual-rights perspective and the public-order perspective?
What is justice? What aspects of justice does this chapter discuss? How does criminal justice relate to wider notions of equity and fairness?
What are the main components of the criminal justice system? How do they interrelate? How might they conflict?
List the stages of case processing that characterize the American system of criminal justice.
What is meant by the term due process of law? Where in the American legal system are guarantees of due process found?
What is meant by the term evidence-based practice, and what is the role of research in criminal justice? How can research influence crime-control policy?
What is multiculturalism? What is social diversity? What impact do multiculturalism and diversity have on the practice of criminal justice in contemporary American society?