This comparative text provides an understanding of major world criminal justice systems by discussing and comparing the systems of six of the world's countries: England, France, Russia, China, Japan, and a new chapter on South Africa-each representative of a different type of legal system. An additional chapter on Islamic law uses Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey as main examples. Political, historical, organizational, procedural, and critical issues confronting the justice systems are explained and analyzed. Each chapter contains material on government, police, judiciary, law, corrections, juvenile justice, and other critical issues. Neat, logical organization enables side-by-side comparisons of the systems of England, France, Japan, Russia, China, and-new to this edition-South Africa, as well as a special chapter covering Islamic law. Enhanced pedagogy includes key concepts,comparative and organizational charts, maps showing the physical context of countries, and updated data on contemporary critical issues. Special online resources feature aids for students such as self-assessment questions, case studies, and special projects including a study of an additional country and an exposition on transnational crime.