Race, Ethnicity and Crime

Is the U.S. criminal justice system providing equal treatment for all, enabling society to accommodate racial and ethnic differences? Or is it merely a reflection of stereotypes and intolerance? This fresh new textbook seeks to balance theory and the real world. Each theme addresses topics relating to race and ethnicity in the context of criminality and criminalization. Consideration is given to issues of gender and minorities in general, with regard to victimization, especially as it relates to the Criminal Justice System, the Media and the Death Penalty.

Information is given on crime and incarceration rates, white-collar crime, and the “typical criminal”. A discussion of minorities and public perceptions is set within a broader context including the issues of terrorism and human trafficking, where race and ethnicity are also vital to public perceptions.

The simple, straightforward approach allows instructors to personalize their coverage of the material, and the text uses extremely effective pedagogical approaches. Each chapter includes vignettes featuring the opinions of experts in the field under discussion. The Case Study/Critical Thinking issues-and-questions approach at the beginning of each chapter is another important feature that focuses on developing students’ soft skills. The objectives are clearly listed at the beginning of each chapter.

Chapter Resources and Key Terms are listed at the end of each chapter. The Controversy sections included in each chapter target analytical and critical skill development in students, not to mention application of a current issue, as does the ‘In the news’ section which, while making reference and applying theory to current issues, encourages students to apply theory, and critically analyze issues.