An internationally recognized scholar and author, James A. Inciardi presents a solid overview of the structure, processes, and problems of the criminal justice system in the United States. Inciardi brings his significant field and research experience to bear on the revision of this successful textbook; his research background, his privileged access to national data, and his story-telling style of writing guarantee a unique perspective to criminal justice. The text's coverage of all major areas of criminal justice allows instructors to focus either on the system as a whole or on particular areas of interest.