Wesley B. Maier, PhD; Kadence C. Maier; William M. "Bill" Overby, MCJ; and Terry D. Edwards

A Collaborative, Statewide Effort

This introductory criminal justice textbook takes a unique, collaborative approach. Co-authored by scholars, professors, and practitioners across Washington state, it reflects current educational standards and workplace relevance. The learning objectives align with those developed by the Criminal Justice Core Curriculum Workgroup under the Center for Excellence–Homeland Security Emergency Management and meet or exceed outcomes for Associate in Arts and Science, Associate of Science, and AAS-T degree programs.

A Contemporary Approach to Criminal Justice

While introducing the foundational elements and history of the U.S. legal system, the textbook stands out for its contemporary lens, coverage of often-overlooked but critical topics, and commitment to real-world application. It incorporates institutional memory, current events, public safety practices, and statistical data to offer a clear, unfiltered view of today’s criminal legal system.

Comprehensive, Relevant Content

Content spans the core areas of criminal justice—history, theory, policing, courts, corrections, community corrections, and innovation. Call-out boxes such as “Impactful Moments,” “Ethical Dilemmas,” and “Careers in Criminal Justice” enrich the text and prompt critical thinking.

Flexible and Instructor-Friendly

Designed for flexibility, the textbook works in both quarter and semester systems. Each section includes overviews, glossaries, key terms, discussion questions, assignments, and links to multimedia resources. It is also easily editable to stay current with legal updates and practices.

We hope that your exploration of the history, concepts, and foundational knowledge presented in this textbook will deepen your understanding of the contemporary criminal justice system in the United States of America.