Chapter 1: Introduction to Criminology

Audio Links

• "Justice Department to Move Away from Using Private Prisons"
  The Justice Department says it will, over time, stop housing federal prisoners in private prisons. The department says private prisons aren't as safe or effective as their federally run counterparts.
   
• "Proportion of Girls in Juvenile Justice System is Going Up, Studies Find"
  Girls have been the fastest growing segment of the juvenile detention population since the 1990s. Now, new research is showing that they are also incarcerated for longer periods than boys are.

Author Podcasts

• Author Podcast: Criminology
   

Video Clips

• Introduction to U.S. Court System
  A basic description of the levels of the U. S. Court System is presented.
   
• Why Study Criminology?
  Comments from three professors about their views of studying and working in criminology.
   
• They're not adults: NY seeks new approach to juvenile justice
  This video is a short report on how the New York juvenile system has affected youth.
   
• Victimology and Motive: The Case of David Buller
  This video clip explains what victimology is and its importance in solving crimes.
   
• Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma
  This video discusses how violence and trauma affect children, including the serious and long-lasting consequences for their physical and mental health; signs that a child may be exposed to violence or trauma; and the staggering cost of child maltreatment to families, communities, and the nation.

Websites

• Violence Against Women Act Fact Sheet
  A PDF of the improvements to the criminal justice system for female survivors of domestic violence.
   
• National Center for Victims of Crime
  A summary of the Crime Victim Compensation fund, a fund to provide monetary support for survivors of violent crime.
   
• The Justice System
  This resource discusses and explains the sequence of events in the criminal justice system, from first response to corrections.
   
• Solitary Confinement
  A news article about the effects of solitary confinement on inmates.
   
• Cyberstalking
  Cyberstalking is on the rise. This article discusses this crime and its prevalence.