This book offers students a unique opportunity to examine strong yet very readable competing views on twenty of the major issues in contemporary criminal justice. It features the works of major writers in the discipline and explores the ideas, orientations and arguments driving the field. Each essay quickly draws readers into the debate using accompanying questions and encourages readers to assess arguments and determine their own conclusions. Where to Find More sections highlight additional resources that can be used to explore each issue in more detail. For anyone interested in the criminal justice system