Theorizing Criminal Justice: Eight Essential Orientations

Theory explains how we think about an issue and ultimately how we deal with it. Studying reaction to crime reveals the reality constructed by various actors. By presenting eight theoretical orientations, this book encourages the reader to reflect on the very complex nature of criminal justice, to analyze the theories that have informed various practices, and to recognize the intellectual under-pinnings of each. The eight perspectives provide the background for the reader to place criminal justice in context with other social controls. The ultimate purpose of the study of existing metaphors for criminal justice is to develop the skills to participate in future theorizing about a vital topic.