Providing readers with a thorough understanding of our justice system, this popular book explains the duties and responsibilities of the law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional departments from the time of arrest through the sentencing of the criminal offender. Avoiding confusing legalese, it addresses why we have laws and why those laws are broken, the constitutional rights of an accused, and the underlying philosophy of correctional endeavors. The book gives readers a thorough understanding of our justice system and of the role each member must play to achieve, through teamwork, law and order for all. KEY TOPICS Chapter topics cover historical development of law and justice system; search and seizure; the arrest; initial appearance; pretrial proceedings; time and place of trial; the trial; confrontation and assistance of counsel; pretrial motions, hearings, and plea negotiations; the trial: roles of major participants; the jury; trial procedure; instructions and deliberation of the jury; the verdict and appeals; sentencing; collateral proceedings; and victims' rights. For individuals interested in our justice system, particularly those considering a career in the police force or office of corrections.