For courses in Judicial Process, Criminal Courts, Criminal Procedure, Introduction to Courts, and Judicial Procedures and Practices.

This text covers the American criminal courts and judicial process using a sequential approach—following law violators from arrest to conviction and sentencing.  Each chapter examines the roles that law enforcement agencies, courts and correctional departments play in the process. Illustrations, court documents and cases help make procedures more real and concrete. Fully updated in this edition, the book features the latest on courtroom evidence, new Supreme Court decisions and more information on victims’ rights and programs.