Criminal Justice provides a thought-provoking and critical introduction to the challenges faced by the UK's criminal justice system including policing, sentencing and punishment at the beginning of the 21st Century. Expert contributors present an overview of particular areas of the criminal justice system or issues relevant to its operation, outlining the political and historical context, detailing key legislation, policies and procedures, and challenging students to engage with current debates.Each chapter features questions, summaries, tables, diagrams, annotated further reading and web links, to ensure the book is as accessible and engaging as possible, and provides clear guidance on further study. An illuminating glossary of key terms is also included.Criminal Justice anticipates little or no prior knowledge of the subject area, and seeks to provide an introductory text for those commencing their studies in the disciplines of criminology and law for whom crime, law and order and the criminal justice system form important areas of study. The book will also be of interest to general readers and practitioners in the criminal justice system.Online Resource CenterThis title is accompanied by an extensive Online Resource Center, providing twice-yearly updates on developments in the criminal justice system, an online version of the glossary of key terms and annotated web links. Adopting lecturers will also have access to a test bank of 170 multiple choice questions with answers and feedback, and lecture notes for each chapter.