Richard D. Hartley

Gary A. Rabe

Dean J. Champion

A comprehensive examination of the criminal court system and the processing of defendants From the actors in the system, including judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, through the sentencing and appeals process, Criminal Courts provides comprehensive coverage of the United States Criminal Court systems in a succinct, readable approach. It examines issues confronting the system from historical, philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives, and throughout there are comparisons of court ideals with what actually happens in the courts. Comprehensive coverage of the processing of offenders from when they are arrested and charged with crimes, to when they are convicted and sentenced is presented, and throughout the text, practical, real-life applications of the topics and issues give the material meaning. Included to enhance learning are: evidence-based chapter openings that provide context to the chapter's material, boxes that discuss relevant case law, chapter summaries to reiterate the chapter learning objectives, and policy-oriented critical thinking exercises based on current issues facing the system.

Structure, Process, and Issues

Criminal Courts

Mark A. Cohen

William S. Lofquist

Debating Corporate Crime

Richard Hartley

Provides a comprehensive examination of the criminal court system, from the basic pretrial procedures, to the trial process, to the sentencing and appeals. Examining all angles, it begins with a discussion of the law and its origins, compares the federal and state court systems, and examines the key courtroom personnel. Separate chapters on the juvenile justice system and the courts and the media round out the book’s coverage. References to key cases, articles from local newspapers and examples of real courts in action add practicality and a deeper understanding of the structure, process and issues surrounding criminal courts today.Comparison of state and federal court systems. Explains the diverse court systems that exist on the state and local level and the more consistent organization of the federal level. Comprehensive examination of the trial process. Discusses the difference between “bench” and “jury” trials, where either the judge or the jury will decide on their case. Includes opening and closing arguments, examination and cross-examination, and other aspects of presentation of testimony and evidence. Discussion of the major sentencing systems. Explains the differences between indeterminate, determinate, mandatory, and guidelines-based or presumptive sentencing. Separate discussion of the juvenile court system. Examines the language that applies to juvenile processing and highlights similarities and differences between the juvenile and criminal justice systems. A chapter on the courts and the media. Shows how the Internet and television are used in the courtroom and examines the role it has played in the increase in litigation today. Key state and federal cases concerning court actions and defendant rights. Highlights important case law that has impacted the way courts process offenders.Law Enforcement professionals and those involved or interested in the criminal court system.

Gary A. Rabe

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