Controversial Issues in Criminal Justice: An Active Learning Approach presents students with enlightening, thought-provoking articles regarding a variety of complex and emerging issues within the discipline. The readings are complemented by discussion questions, active learning exercises, and suggested readings and websites. These activities and opportunities immerse students within the subject matter, draw connections between the material and real-world applications, and inspire critical thinking.

The book is organized into dedicated chapters according to issue. The text begins with sections that address controversies in biosocial criminology, the accountability of parents in delinquency, corporal punishment and delinquency, and judicial waiver and adultification of youth. Additional sections examine bullying as a crime, debates regarding cannabis legalization, welfare drug testing, immigration policies and crime, civil asset forfeiture, and Megan's Law. Students read about felony disenfranchisement, solitary confinement, LGBTQ inmates, the death penalty, and more.

Providing students with a scholarly exploration of unique and critical issues, Controversial Issues in Criminal Justice is an ideal supplementary text for courses within the discipline.