Flawed Criminal Justice Policies: At the Intersection of the Media, Public Fear and Legislative Response

This textbook reader examines the concept of flawed policies in the criminal justice arena. The authors address the costs of bad criminal justice policy and offer suggestions for the creation of good, sound, evidence-based policy. Specific topics highlighted include: The War on Drugs, Immigration Laws, The Patriot Act and Terrorist Laws, Sentencing Guidelines, Three Strikes Laws, Capital Punishment, Sex Offender Laws, ''Get Tough'' Juvenile Policy, Zero Tolerance in Schools, Policies for Mental Health Offenders, and Policies with Pregnant Offenders.

Courses appropriate for this textbook reader include upper level undergraduate and graduate level criminal justice courses dealing at least in part with public policies, the media impact on law making, public fear of crime and the legislative response. Other disciplines will also find this book an excellent supplement to their courses in Psychology, Political Science, Public Administration and Policy.