CJ: Realities and Challenges

by Ruth E. Masters, Lori Beth Way, Phyllis B. Gerstenfeld

CJ: Realities and Challenges encourages students to think critically about the realities and challenges of the criminal justice system. Using the text's framework of Observe, Investigate and Understand, students learn to recognize the myths and interpret the facts underlying the American criminal justice system and gain greater understanding of its complexities. CJ: Realities and Challenges brings together the insights of an author team of practitioners and scholars to present a contemporary and realistic perspective on a vital institution in American Society.

Genres: College

592 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2010

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the better textbooks that I have encountered in my undergraduate studies. The information is posted in nice and interesting bits, drawing attention to things like technology and disconnects in the criminal justice system.

Sometimes I feel like the chapters are just a bit too long and detailed, but for the most part most of the information in the book was very readable and not to difficult to remain focused on.

I did not read every chapter in this book, but I did read most of them and I would recommend this book to people who are looking for a little more information on the criminal justice system if they want to know more and don't want to or can't take a class.

[Maren · Rating 3 out of 5]

While largely factual and educational, sections of this book were misleading and further contribute to stigmatizing stereotypes of mental illness and offenders.