This comprehensive textbook on criminal justice is intended to serve as the foundation for a high school course on law-related education or as a supplement for civics, government or contemporary-issues courses. Designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills, the book provides students with an understanding of the criminal justice system, its laws, and procedures. It examines the controversial issues of victims' rights, the insanity defense, the exclusionary rule, police-community relations, mandatory sentencing, the death penalty, youth gangs, the causes of crime, and the effect of race on the criminal justice system. Through case studies, simulations, peer-teaching, decision-making and field activities, students clarify public policy issues, identify values and propose and evaluate solutions. The book is divided into six units: crime and its victims; police; criminal process; corrections; juvenile justice; and solutions. In addition to classroom teaching strategies, "Criminal Justice in America" provides suggestions for field trips to courts and police facilities and for the use of resource persons. Covering all dimensions of crime from street crimes to while collar crime, the textbook challenges students for their reactions to real cases of fraud, violence, and rape. In the appendices, the textbook offers excerpts of the Constitution and a table of Supreme Court cases critical to the evolution of U.S. criminal law. Contains a glossary and references for each chapter. (JD)