Welcome to CCJ230! This book was made with you, the reader in mind, and developed with an intentional diversity, equity, and inclusion framework. An important aspect of this text is the Sections on crime prevention science (CPSc) solutions in every chapter. The “CPSc solutions’ ‘ or crime solution, is the name we use in this book to refer to specific evidence based programs, practices, and policies. Each has been scientifically verified as the best known “crime solutions” for specific “crime problems” (Crime Solutions, 2023). Previous texts have tended to discuss crime problems, while failing to properly mention available crime solutions to solve those crime problems. Crime problems or “crime is deemed by many, if not most, people to be one of the most disquieting social problems” (Treviño, 2018). However, the omission of “crime solutions” is a missed opportunity, especially for many readers who experience these crime problems in their communities and universities. It can be very empowering for those who learn about “crime problems” to also learn about “crime solutions”. We therefore hope to increase the readers’ awareness and support for these CPSc solutions which are now readily available everywhere.

In this chapter, we will focus on defining crime and the American criminal justice system. As we cover the different models and creation of laws within the system, we will also discuss the components that make up the system. Finally we will briefly look at the role of victims within the criminal justice process. At the end of each chapter there will be critical thinking questions. Consider these questions carefully as the purpose of these questions is to encourage students to move beyond knowing information and get to the heart of what they really think and believe.