There are many controversial aspects of the U.S. criminal justice system, which are highly relevant to debates about crime and justice globally. This encyclopedia examines the most significant controversies throughout history with emphasis on current debates, trends, and issues. Arranged alphabetically, approximately 100 entries cover background, explanations, notable cases and events, various sides of an issue, and what to expect in the future. Entries are objective and factual, allowing readers to formulate their own conclusions. Sidebars and case examples help to illustrate each entry, and sources for further reading point readers to other important materials.Given the prevalence of controversial criminal justice topics in the news, this timely reference work is an important resource for anyone interested in crime and justice. The entries include: Boot Camps, Corporal Punishment, DNA Evidence, Domestic Violence, Expert Testimony, Eye Witness Identifications, Gun Control, Homeland Security, the International Criminal Court, Legalisation of Marijuana, Mental Health and Insanity, Police Brutality, Prison Violence, Racial Profiling, School Violence, Sex Offender Laws, Stalking Laws, Supermax Prisons, Three Strikes Laws, Treating Juveniles as Adults, the War on Drugs, and more.