Controversial Issues in Criminal Justice : An Active Learning Approach

Controversial Issues in Criminal Justice: An Active Learning Approach presents students with enlightening, thought-provoking articles regarding a variety of complex and emerging issues within the discipline. The readings are complemented by discussion questions, active learning exercises, and suggested readings and websites. These activities and opportunities immerse students within the subject matter, draw connections between the material and real-world applications, and inspire critical thinking.

The book is organized into dedicated chapters according to issue. The text begins with sections that address controversies in biosocial criminology, the accountability of parents in delinquency, corporal punishment and delinquency, and judicial waiver and adultification of youth. Additional sections examine bullying as a crime, debates regarding cannabis legalization, welfare drug testing, immigration policies and crime, civil asset forfeiture, and Megan’s Law. Students read about felony disenfranchisement, solitary confinement, LGBTQ inmates, the death penalty, and more.
Providing students with a scholarly exploration of unique and critical issues, Controversial Issues in Criminal Justice is an ideal supplementary text for courses within the discipline.

Catherine D. Marcum is the assistant chair and associate professor of justice studies in the Department of Government and Justice Studies at Appalachian State University. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed journals articles and authored and/or edited over 10 books. Her areas of expertise include cybercrime offending and victimization, correctional issues, and sexual victimization, and is currently the editor of Corrections: Policy, Practice, and Research.

Beverly Reece is an assistant professor of criminal justice within the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Kennesaw State University. Her research interests include juvenile delinquency, crime and the life course, and reentry. Her most recent peer-reviewed publications have appeared in journals such as Deviant Behavior, Journal of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology, and Journal of Drug Issues.