The anthology Crime, Justice, and Social Control explores formal and informal dimensions of social control and demonstrates that law and the criminal justice system are set within the wider context of social control. Combining theory with key policy issues and offering a wealth of current articles and research, the text addresses the challenges facing criminal justice practitioners, researchers, and elected officials.

Part I outlines the origins and types of social control from a sociological perspective to prepare students for analyzing criminal justice and social control issues. Part II builds on these foundational theories by further exploring adjudication and sentencing, policing and investigations, correctional policies and issues, and juvenile justice. Each section raises key questions under discussion by academics, policy makers, and elected officials, and helps students understand the complexity and range of challenges faced by those involved in the criminal justice process. Students have the opportunity to reflect on alternative policy options and formulate personal views about social control. Topics include:



Banning Deviant Behavior
Social Class and Crime
Wrongful Convictions
Racial Profiling
Morality, Ethics, and the Death Penalty


The selections are written in an accessible style and deal with high interest topics such as the public response to youth wearing hoodies, school violence, and discipline.

Crime, Justice, and Social Control is suitable for introductory courses in criminal justice as well as courses in social control and criminal justice policy.