Courts in Our Criminal Justice System

9780135259573

0135259576

This book presents a multidisciplinary and contextualized discussion of the nature and functions of courts in America. It helps readers understand the legal, political, and social/cultural environment within which courts operate, leading them to appreciate how the court system both reflects and shapes changes in society. Features: Provides wide coverage of court topics Encourages critical thinking about courts Enhances student interest in the subject by asking students to think about the issues from a first-person perspective The organization provides a logical, flowing sequence of events Presents a unique historical context on the development, functions, and controversies in the court system that is lacking in other court texts, while simultaneously presenting current theory and research on the topic Presents a critical examination of courts from a socio-legal perspective as an institution that both reflects and shapes societal norms, dilemmas, and changes Uses political, sociological, legal, and psychological perspectives as tools to illuminate courts and justice processes Helps readers understand courts and court processes in context of the broader socio-political environment, rather than describing courts solely in terms of legal process and procedure. This provides the "big picture" framework necessary to understand modern American courts "Boxes" in every chapter provide in-depth examples to complement the main text