Controversies in Criminal Justice Contemporary Readings

by Decker, Scott H.; Alarid, Leanne Fiftal; Katz, Charles M.

• ISBN13: 9780195330175
• ISBN10: 019533017X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-08-08
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

This innovative volume provides two contrasting essays for each of sixteen criminal justice and criminology issues, including such provocative subjects as terrorism, guns and crime, and racial profiling. The essays present opposing viewpoints: one supports the issue, while the other disputes it. The text also incorporates the following pedagogical features: * An introduction of key concepts * Critical thinking questions * Internet websites for further research

Table of Contents

The Nature of American Crime

National Drug Control Policy: Should We Legalize Drugs?

Guns and Crime: Should We Relax Gun Permit Laws?

Intelligence and Crime: Do Those with Less Intelligence Commit More Crime?

Terrorism: How Far Should the Government Go In Protecting Against Terrorists?

Law Enforcement and Community Policing

Police Organizations: Should Police Organizations Model Themselves More Like the Military?

Community Oriented Policing? Are We There Yet?

Zero-Tolerance Policing: Is It Effective in Reducing Crime?

Racial Profiling: Do the Police Target Minorities For Traffic Stops?

Administering Criminal Law in the Courts

Does the Federal Grand Jury Adequately Perform its Screening Role?

Are Drug Courts a Promising Pre-Trial Strategy?

Should Cameras be in the Courtroom During Criminal Trials?

Punishment of Offenders

Lock 'Em Up: Do We Overuse Imprisonment as a Punishment Strategy?

Beyond Revenge: Will the Restorative Justice Paradigm Achieve Its Intended Goals?

For Profit or Punishment: Should Jails and Prisons be Privatized?

Is it a Good Idea to House Juveniles in Adult Correctional Facilities?

Megan's Law: Should neighbors be notified when a sex offender is released into their community?

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.