Theorizing Criminal Justice: Eight Essential Orientations

By presenting articles on criminal justice grouped according to eight theoretical orientations, including criminal justice as politics, as growth complex, and as oppression, Kraska (Eastern Kentucky University) encourages students to analyze the theories that have informed various practices and to recognize their intellectual underpinnings. According to the author, "While the theoretical orientations outlined here have some similarity to 'models,' they are primarily interpretive constructs designed to guide the assignment of meaning to criminal justice trends and issues." Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR