Demystifying Crime and Criminal Justice

"Demystifying Crime and Criminal Justice" is organized to follow a logical progression through the criminal justice process.

Part One addresses myths about crime; Part Two examines myths about law enforcement; Part Three investigates myths about the administration of justice; and Part Four focuses on myths about punishment and corrections.

A unique feature of the book is that every chapter follows the same format.

Each chapter opens with a brief section introducing a myth or a set of myths about a particular topic.

Next follows the "The Kernel of Truth" section, in which accurate aspects of the myth or myths are identified because for myths to be believable and accepted, they generally must contain at least a kernel of truth.

In the third section, "The Truth or Facts," the authors debunk the myth or myths by providing evidence, followed by "Interests Served by the Myth," which illuminates how the interests of specific individuals or groups are promoted by the creation and perpetuation of the myths.

Finally, "Policy Implications of Belief in the Myth" highlights some of the practical and often undesirable consequences of belief in the myth or myths. Written in clear, accessible language, "Demystifying Crime and Criminal Justice" engages readers with straightforward analysis and cutting-edge information and research.

Designed to stimulate critical thinking and class discussions, this mindset-challenging anthology will give students a depth of understanding about crime and criminal justice that few other books offer.