Criminal Justice Theory: Explaining the Nature and Behavior of Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Theory is the first comprehensive volume on the theoretical foundations of criminal justice. The authors argue that theory in criminal justice is currently underdeveloped and inconsistently applied, especially in comparison to the role of theory in the study of crime itself.

In the diverse range of essays included here, the authors and contributors integrate examples from the study of criminal justice systems, judicial decision-making, courtroom communities, and correctional systems, building the argument that students of criminal justice must not evaluate their discipline solely on the basis of the effectiveness of specific measures in reducing the crime rate. Rather, if they hope to improve the system, they must acquire a systematic knowledge of the causes behind the structures, policies, and practices of criminal justice.

David E. Duffee is Professor in the School of Criminal Justice, University at Albany, where he served as Dean from 1988-1995. He is the author or editor of nine previous books including Explaining Criminal Justice, which won the inaugural Outstanding Book Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Edward R. Maguire is Associate Professor in the Administration of Justice Department at George Mason University. He specializes in police innovation and reform.