Criminal Justice: A Beginner’s Guide

Bryan Gibson

Mar 2014 · Waterside Press

About this ebook

 The most straightforward overview available. Covers the entire criminal justice system. A ‘no frills’ explanation for beginners. 

This basic guide sets out the main components of the criminal justice system in an accessible way. Intended as a starting point for readers coming to the subject for the first time it is ideal for new staff, volunteers, first year students and other ‘rookies’: a short book of facts, explanations and pointers to further study.

Chapters:

1. What is Crime?

2. What is Criminal Justice?

3. Who’s Who?

4. Modern Developments

5. The Police

6. The Criminal Courts in Action

7. Sentencing (including Probation Work)

8. Prisons and Imprisonment

9. Victims and Restorative Justice

10. Causes of Crime

The book also features the Rule of Law, risk assessment, decision-making, forensic investigation, witnesses, surveillance, criminology, crime reduction strategies, border controls, penal reform and some international and historical dimensions.

With a Glossary of Words, Phrases and Abbreviations.

About the author

Bryan Gibson is a barrister-at-law who worked in the criminal justice system before founding Waterside Press in 1989. He has written several books on aspects of the criminal justice system and worked alongside a wide range of other authors on entire topics covered by this book.