procedures, to the trial process, to sentencing and appeals. It begins with a discussion of the law and its origins, compares the federal and state court systems, and examines the key courtroom personnel. This edition includes separate chapters on the juvenile justice system and juvenile courts, and a new chapter on diversion, alternative dispute resolution and specialty courts. Key cases, newspaper articles, and real court examples add practicality and provide a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding criminal courts today.

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