Realities and Challenges, 5e empowers students to think critically about the daily realities and challenges of the criminal justice system. Using the text's framework of Observe > Investigate > Understand , students learn to recognize the myths of the U.S. criminal justice system and gain a greater comprehension of its complexities. The program brings together the insights of an expert author team of practitioners and scholars to present a contemporary and realistic perspective on a vital U.S. institution. Extensively updated examples, statistics, figures, and features throughout this edition reflect current criminal justice issues to provide students with the most relevant information for their studies and professional lives.
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.
While largely factual and educational, sections of this book were misleading and further contribute to stigmatizing stereotypes of mental illness and offenders.