Theorizing Criminal Justice: Eight Essential Orientations

Theorizing Criminal Justice uses eight theoretical lenses to explore the criminal justice apparatus. They contribute to a foundation for a discourse to expand our thinking about criminal justice and to enhance the value of our practice---providing a deeper understanding of complex issues exposes the confusion and contradictions inherent in this intricate topic.

Twenty articles (of which five are new to this edition) by noted professionals in the field present distinct perspectives for academic policy advisors, policy makers, the media, criminal justice personnel, and theoreticians about the nature of the criminal justice system. What theories direct the behaviors of the police, the courts, and corrections administrators? Which goals are paramount: retribution, treatment, safety, social control, efficiency? What value choices guide theories?

The authors include comprehensive discussions to stimulate creative thinking, as well as pedagogical materials such as a summary for each article, key terms found in each orientation, and thought-provoking questions that connect each orientation to relevant topics in today's criminal justice apparatus.