California's Criminal Justice System

California's Criminal Justice System, Fourth Edition, shares the history, purpose, structure, and procedures of California's criminal justice system. It begins with conversations about the state of crime in California, the demographics of crime, and the practices of legislative actions and direct democracy in creating state laws. The book includes discussions of criminal justice policies as well as criminal justice institutions such as policing, courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system.

Each chapter is authored by an expert in the field and highlights the current issues, challenges, and controversies facing California's criminal justice system. The authors also discuss the many criminal justice policy changes within the state, including in policing, juvenile and adult realignment, capital punishment, gangs, and victims' rights as well as changes in crime rates and arrest patterns. In addition, the authors examine many different employment opportunities related to criminal justice and the occupational outlook for these positions. This text is appropriate for undergraduate students in introductory courses on criminal justice, law, and government, and can be used either as a supplemental text or as a stand-alone resource for students.

New in the fourth edition:

• Thoroughly updated guide to California's most significant policies, including the addition of 30 new policies.
• Updated California Criminal Justice Timeline.
• Updated information, policies, and statistics in every chapter.
• Revised and expanded chapter on criminal justice employment trends and career.