For courses in Introduction to Criminal Justice and Issues in Criminal Justice. Unlike most other books in introduction to criminal justice, this book addresses both the ideals and the realities of American criminal justice agencies. Rather than just covering the traditional topics from the perspective of how things are supposed to be, this text compares these ideals with the realities of what is happening in the system today. With an emphasis on critical examination, it explores the criminal law, crime images and realities, the role that ideology and politics play in criminal justice practice, the components of criminal justice, and problematic policies and possible resolutions.