Overview

PREFACE

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Connections among theory, research, and practice are the heart and soul of criminology. This book offers a comprehensive and balanced introduction to criminology and demonstrates the value of understanding the relationships among criminological theory, research, and practice in the study of crime and criminal behavior. Encompassing a range of case studies and features designed to encourage critical thinking, it emphasizes the key role of criminological theory and research in the development of criminal justice policies and practices.

PART I: CRIME, CRIMINAL LAW, AND CRIMINOLOGY

Part I provides a comprehensive overview of crime in American society, with specific attention given to the varieties of crime and the victims of crime, the principles of criminal law, the sources of data on crime, and the tools for evaluating the scientific utility of criminological theories and research. This builds a foundation for students to understand criminology as a systematic, theoretically grounded science, whose goal it is to define crime, understand criminal behavior, and offer scientific solutions to lawmakers and politicians to form the basis of policies to alleviate the problem of crime in society. Students are introduced to the nature and meaning of crime and American criminal law, as well as the scientific study of crime.

PART II: THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN ACTION

Part II provides a concise, straightforward, and practical approach to the study of the American criminal justice system and its various components. We distinguish between criminology and criminal justice as distinct areas of study united by a common interest in better understanding crime. Individual chapters are dedicated to a critical examination of the primary components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections. Within the chapter on corrections, we also devote special attention to the topic of juvenile justice and juvenile corrections.

PART III: AN OVERVIEW OF CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORY

Part III provides an overview of criminological theory. It begins by briefly examining the roots of criminological theory in classical and neoclassical paradigms and then turns to a focus on contemporary theories. We move from biological and psychological theories of crime causation to sociological theories. Sociological theories are further divided into social structural, normative, and social conflict theories. We then examine the underlying policy implications of the theoretical perspective in light of specific case studies.

PART IV: TYPOLOGIES OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

Part IV gives students the opportunity to better understand the various categories of criminal behavior, by focusing specific chapters on criminal typologies. We introduce discussions on a variety of violent crimes that go beyond the typically studied forms of interpersonal violence to include terrorism, organized crime, military rape, and police brutality. We further carry this discussion into the individual chapters on property, public order crimes, and white collar crimes, as well as exploring cybercrime and green crimes in their own chapter.

PART V: A LOOK AHEAD

Finally, Part V provides the student with a glimpse into the future of crime, criminological theory, and research. It proposes a practical synthesis of the various definitional elements of crime, the theoretical integration of crime causation, and a pragmatic discussion of effective crime control strategies. We highlight the transnational aspects of many crimes today, especially crimes like terrorism, organized crime, state crime, green crimes, and cybercrimes.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

We packed this book with useful and instructive features that will facilitate classroom learning and encourage critical thinking and further discussion. These features include:

CONSIDER THIS

This feature attracts student interest with a surprising, ambiguous, or inequitable real-world situation and asks the student “What do you think?”

CRIME IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE  

This feature highlights the importance of exploring criminology from the perspective of diverse cultures, criminal justice systems, and crime problems in different parts of the world.

CONNECTING THEORY TO PRACTICE  

This feature allows students to understand and appreciate how certain theories drive crime control strategies in the real world of criminal justice policy.

CONNECTING RESEARCH TO PRACTICE

This feature brings to life the aspects of criminal justice research that have a direct impact on implementing and evaluating crime control strategies.

WORKING IN…

This feature provides a realistic and vivid portrayal of the field of criminal justice practitioners.

IN THIS CHAPTER… QUESTIONS

This feature gives students a glimpse of what is to be covered in each chapter.

LISTS OF FURTHER READING

This feature lists various materials to reinforce, expand upon, and explore in greater detail certain topics covered in the chapter.

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS

This feature is designed to enhance student learning by allowing instructors to assign interactive activities and discussion points that engage students in further inquiry and illustration of the reading material.

E-RESOURCES

This feature provides students with further material via links to various resources that supplement reading material in the chapters as well as give additional foundation to policies, programs, and practices that are discussed.

KEY TERMS

This feature highlights important concepts, ideas, and terminology that are essential components of each chapter.

CHAPTER SUMMARIES

This feature provides a brief overview of the main themes and ideas contained in each chapter.