Courts: A Text/Reader

by Cassia C. Spohn, Craig T. Hemmens, Wesley S. McCann

A Text/Reader, Third Edition , helps you understand the U.S. court system in context, with each brief authored section of the text enhanced by edited research articles that illustrate the questions and controversies in the judicial system today. The articles reflect both classic studies of the criminal court system and state-of-the-art research, and they often have a policy perspective that demonstrates the potential impact research can have on the court system. Designed to enhance understanding, the book includes a helpful "How to Read a Research Article" section before the first reading, as well as article introductions and discussion questions that will capture your interest and help you develop critical thinking skills. New to the Third Edition

Genres: School

536 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2008

About the author

Cassia Spohn is Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University. She has published extensively on prosecutors' charging decisions in sexual assault cases; the effect of race, ethnicity, and gender on sentencing decisions; sentencing of drug offenders; and the deterrent effect of imprisonment. She is currently conducting a National Institute of Justice-funded study of police and prosecutorial decision making in sexual assault cases in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Granted it gives you knowledge of the court system, the various personnel who work in this system and a history of how cases are decided; however, many of the articles in the book are repetitive, dry and somewhat boring. Yes, I know that the authors may be lawyers and/or law professors, but, come on. Learn to use an economy of words; please don't write the way the stereotypical lawyer speaks: speaking just to hear the sound of their own voice. Also, did anyone edit this book? I found numerous typographical and grammatical errors.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great School book