A comprehensive examination of the criminal court system and the processing of defendants From the actors in the system, including judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, through the sentencing and appeals process, Criminal Courts provides comprehensive coverage of the United States Criminal Court systems in a succinct, readable approach.It examines issues confronting the system from historical, philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives, and throughout there are comparisons of court ideals with what actually happens in the courts. Comprehensive coverage of the processing of offenders from when they are arrested and charged with crimes, to when they are convicted and sentenced is presented, and throughout the text, practical, real-life applications of the topics and issues give the material meaning. Included to enhance learning are: evidence-based chapter openings that provide context to the chapter?s material, boxes that discuss relevant case law, chapter summaries to reiterate the chapter learning objectives, and policy-oriented critical thinking exercises based on current issues facing the system.Criminal Courts: Structure, Process, and Issues 4th Edition is written by Richard Hartley and published by Pearson. ISBNs for Criminal Courts: Structure, Process, and Issues are 9780133824766, 0133824764 and the print ISBNs are 9780133779745, 0133779742. Additional ISBNs include 9780133824919.