Susan Beck and
Natalie Borisovets
Reference Librarians
susanb@camden.rutgers.edu
natalieb@newark.rutgers.edu
11 May 2007

Research Resources: Subject Research Guides: Criminal Justice:
Reference Resources

A. Dictionaries

American Dictionary of Criminal Justice: Key Terms and Major Court Cases: Dean John Champion. 3rd edition. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press, 2005.
Succinct entries for some 5,000 terms, concepts, individuals, and organizations. Second part of the dictionary consists of entries for important recent U.S. Supreme Court cases. Appendix includes an index to cases by topic.; CAMDEN, KILMER REF HV7411 .C48 2005

Concise Dictionary of Crime and Justice: Mark S. Davis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2002.
In addition to criminal justice terms, has entries on people and places associated with crime and justice from the mid-19th century to the present; organizations; government programs; and law codes starting with the Code of Hammurabi. Brief entries, but where applicable includes an explanation of common misperceptions surrounding the subject of that entry.; KILMER REF HV 6017 .D38 2002; CRIMINAL JUSTICE 86812

Sage Dictionary of Criminology: Eugene McLaughlin & John Muncie, eds. 2d edition. London: Sage Publications, 2006.
Brief overviews of concepts, theories and methods used in criminology research with bibliographies.; ALEXANDER REF HV6017 .S24 2006; 2001 edition: CRIMINAL JUSTICE, DANA REF HV 12 .S34 2001

Dictionary of Crime : Criminal Justice, Criminology & Law Enforcement: Jay Robert Nash, ed. New York: Paragon House, 1992.
Terms used in law enforcement and forensic science as well as police and criminal jargon.; ALEXANDER REF HV 6017.E5425 1992

Crime Dictionary: Ralph De Sola. New York: Facts on File, 1982.
Legal, police, and criminal jargon. Includes a separate list of place-name nicknames, as well as an appendix of foreign terms.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN REF HV 6025 .D43

The Police Dictionary and Encyclopedia: John J. Fay. Springfield, IL: C.C. Thomas, 1988.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN, DANA REF HV 7901 .F39

Dictionary of Criminal Justice Data Terminology: Search Group, Inc. 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1981.
Definitions of terms used in criminal justice statistics.; ALEXANDER DOCUSR J 29.9:NCJ-76939; DANA DOCUS J 29.9:NCJ-76939

CJ Central: Glossary: One or two sentence definitions of major terms and key concepts relating to criminal justice.

Justice Systems: Criminal Justice Terminology Guide: Useful guide to legal terms; many definitions include explanatory examples. From the victim advocacy group, Witness Justice.

Street Terms: Drugs and the Drug Trade: Database of over 2,300 street terms that refer to specific drug types or drug activity. From the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

B. Encyclopedias and Handbooks

Scholarly encyclopedias can give you an overview of a topic as well as some basic bibliography

1. General Encyclopedias

Encyclopedia of Crime & Justice: Joshua Dressler, ed. 2d ed. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2002. 4 vols.
An excellent starting point for topical research. Over 250 signed scholarly articles, with extensive bibliographies and relevant case law, on all aspects of criminal justice. Includes (pp. xxv-xxxvi) a guide to American and British legal citations.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN, CRIMINAL JUSTICE, DANA REF HV 6017 .E52 2002; 1st (1983) edition: KILMER REF HV 6017 .E52

Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment: David Levinson, ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2002. 4 vols.
439 signed entries. Less scholarly but broader in scope than the Encyclopedia of Crime & Justice.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV 6017 .E524 2002

Encyclopedia of American Crime: Carl Sifakis. New York: Facts on File, 2nd ed., 2000. 2 vols.
Over 2000 entries on crime, criminals, and criminal procedure in the U.S. from colonial times to the present.; ALEXANDER CAMDEN, KILMER REF HV 6789 .S54 2000

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace & Conflict: Lester Kurtz, ed. San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 1999. 3 vols.
Full length entries on theories and concepts of violence, peace and conflict studies with useful entries on war.; ALEXANDER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF RC 569.5 .V55 E53 1999

2. Capital Punishment

Encyclopedia of Capital Punishment in the United States: Louis J. Palmer, Jr. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, c2001.
Information on the history, present status, and controversies surrounding capital punishment in the U.S. Entries on every capital punishment decision made by the Supreme Court up to 1999, and on dealth penalty laws in each U.S. jurisdiction. Also summarizes status of the death penalty in other countries.; CAMDEN, KILMER REF HV 8694 .P35 2001

Greenhaven Encyclopedia of Capital Punishment: Bruce E.R. Thompson. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2006.; CAMDEN REF KF9227 .C2T48 2006

3. Corrections

Encyclopedia of Prisons & Correctional Facilities: Mary Bosworth. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2005. 2 vols.
The standard reference work. 400 lengthy signed entries followed by bibliographies and legal citations. A Reader's Guide classifies entries into 12 categories: Prison Architecture; Theories of Punishment; Prison Population; Prison Reform; Juvenile Justice; Staff; Programs; Privatization; Labor; Race, Class and Gender; Security and Classification; and Sentencing Policy and Legislation. Appendix includes an inventory of U.S. Bureau of Prisons facilities by state with statistics on capacity, population, staff, and programs, as well as contact information, visiting hours, and information on recreational facilities.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN, KILMER REF HV9471 .E693 2005; CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV9471 .B675 2005

Dictionary of American Penology: Vergil L. Williams. A revised and expanded edition. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1996.
Somewhat dated, but includes more state-level prison system information than found in the Encyclopedia of Prisons & Correctional Facilities.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV 9304 .W54 1996

Encyclopedia of American Prisons.: Carl Sifakis. New York: Facts on File, 2003.
A more popular approach. 300 entries, with photographs and illustrations, on both the history and contemporary issues relating to the American penal system.; CAMDEN REF HV9471 .S54 2003

Prisons and Prison Systems: A Global Encyclopedia: Mitchel P. Roth. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2006.
Some 500 entries on prison systems worldwide, past and present. Includes entries on prisons, organizations, prison reformers, innovations, architecture, culture, and terminology. More than 200 entries are devoted to national prison systems.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN REF HV8665 .R67 2006; CRIMINAL JUSTICE 99436

4. Crimes and Criminals

Encyclopedia of High-Tech Crime and Crime-Fighting: Michael Newton. New York: Checkmark Books, 2004.
420 entries relating to technology-based crimes (hacking, computer viruses, online pornography, internet hoaxes, etc.) as well as the use of technology in crime solving.; CAMDEN REF HV773 .N48 2004

Encyclopedia of Murder and Violent Crime: Eric Hickey, ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2003.
Entries on notorious murders and murderers, elements and types of murders and criminal justice procedures and psychological conditions related to murder.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN, DOUGLASS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV 6515 .E5323 2003

Encyclopedia of Robberies, Heists and Capers: Michael Newton. New York: Checkmark Books, 2002.
Entries on notorious thieves and robbers,types of thefts and robberies and places associated with thefts and robberies with emphasis on the United States.; ALEXANDER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV 6648 .N49 2002

Encyclopedia of White-Collar & Corporate Crime: Lawrence M. Salinger. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2005. 2 vols.
Over 500 signed entries, most consisting of one to two pages, with bibliographies on corporate, organizational, governmental, financial, and political crimes and the individuals who committed them.; CAMDEN, KILMER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV6768 .E63 2005

5. Criminology

Encyclopedia of Criminology: Richard A. Wright and J. Mitchell Miller. New York, Routledge, 2005. 3 vols.
Over 525 two to ten page scholarly, authoritative essays relating to criminology and criminal justice. Especially valuable for its coverage of the development of criminology as a scientific field of study, as well as discussions of concepts, theories and issues.; CAMDEN REF HV6017 .E5295 2005

6. Domestic Violence & Child Abuse

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Sourcebook: Helene Henderson. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2000.
Chapters compiled from a variety of sources on the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of partners, children, siblings, parents amd elders. Includes chapters on law enforcements and judicial interventions, prevention and treatment strategies, and legislative and government initiatives.; ALEXANDER HV6626.2 .D66 2000; CAMDEN REF HV6626.2 .D66 2000

Encyclopedia of Child Abuse: Robin E. Clark. 3rd edition. New York: Facts on File, 2007.
More than 400 entries on key issues and topics relating to child abuse including characteristics and causes, impact, types, treatments for abusers and abused, and other legal and social issues as well as cultural and national perspectives on child abuse. Appendices include lists of national and state organizations; texts of U.S. and Canadian laws; and statistics.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN REF HV6626.5 .C57 2007

Child Abuse: A Global View: Beth M. Schwartz-Kenney, Michelle McCauley, and Michelle A. Epstein. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2001.
Chapters on child abuse history, dimensions, prevalence, cultural constraints, and available treatment strategies in 16 countries: Australia, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Articles include statistical information and extensive bibliographies.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN, DANA HV6626.5 .C472 2001; CRIMINAL JUSTICE 80084

7. Forensics

Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences: Jay A. Siegel, editor. San Diego: Academic Press, 2000. 3 vols.
More than 200 extensive scholarly articles dealing with all aspects of forensic science. Focuses on the analysis of chemical, physical and biological materials, but also deals with crime scence analysis, preservation of evidence, photography, ethics, fire investigation, expert testimony, etc.; CAMDEN REF HV 8073 .E517 2000

Encyclopedia of DNA and the U.S. Criminal Justice System: Louis J. Palmer, Jr., Jefferson, NC: Mc Farland, 2004.
Entries on the scientific techniques and legal aspects of forensic genetic analysis ("DNA fingerprinting"). Includes state statutes on the use, treatment and collection of DNA in each state as well as federal statutes.; CAMDEN REF RA 1057.55 .P34; CRIMINAL JUSTICE 91966

Forensic Science: An Encyclopedia of History, Methods, and Techniques: William J. Tilstone. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2006.
Over 300 entries on cases, techniques, legal decisions, and related topics. Extensive introduction provides an overview of the history of forensic sciences. Less technical and more generally accessible than the Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN REF HV8073 .T55 2006

8. Gambling

Encyclopedia of Gambling: Carl Sifakis. New York: Facts on File, 1990.
Entries on personalities, terminology, game rules and strategies, as well as information on history and organized crime influences.; CAMDEN, KILMER REF HV 6710 .S54 1990

Gambling in America: An Encyclopedia of History, Issues, and Society: William N. Thompson. Santa Barbara, CA.: ABC-CLIO, 2001.
About 200 signed entries focusing on North and South American "people, places, events, laws and policies, and concepts concerning gambling as well as gambling equipment." Includes an annotated list of relevant U.S. law cases.; ALEXANDER REF GV1301 .T47 2001

9. Guns and Gun Control

Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights: Glenn H. Utter. Phoenix, Ariz.: Oryx Press, 2000.
Informative entries on the key issues, personalities, and organization on both sides of the debate over gun regulation. Information on research, court cases, and legislation. Historical chronology (1775-2000) and an extensive bibliography.; CAMDEN, KILMER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF KF3941 .A68U88 2000

Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture, and the Law: Gregg Lee Carter. Santa Barbara, CA.: ABC-CLIO, 2002. 2 vols.
More than 400 entries on guns (makes, makers, and ammunition) and the history and legal, social, and political aspects of guns in America. Includes entries on gun laws in other countries. Appendix lists key federal and state gun laws and amendments.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN REF HV7436 .G8783 2002

10. Juvenile Justice

Encyclopedia of Juvenile Justice: Marilyn D. McShane, Frank P. Williams III, editors. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2003.
A good starting point for information relating to juvenile justice. Signed entries with bibliographies.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN REF HV 9104 .E58 2003

International Handbook on Juvenile Justice: Donald J. Shoemaker, editor. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1996.
Describes the current juvenile justice systems in 19 industrialized, developing, or Third World countries.; ALEXANDER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE HV 9069 .I665 1996; CAMDEN REF HV 9069 .I665 1996

11. Law Enforcement

Encyclopedia of Law Enforcement: Larry Sullivan. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2005. 3 vols.; 550 signed essays with bibliographies on all aspects of law enforcement including issues, trends, organizations and agencies, people, and legislation. Each volume has a different focus: Vol 1: State and Local Law Enforcement; Vol 2: Federal Law Enforcement; Vol 3: International Law Enforcement. Volume 3 offers essays on policing and law enforcement in some 150 countries.; CAMDEN, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV7921 .E53 2005

Encyclopedia of Police Science: William G. Bailey, ed. 2nd edition. New York: Garland Publishing, 1995.
More than 200 signed entries, many with lengthy bibliographies, on all aspects of policing in America, including administration, investigative techniques, and social and political issues. Includes a "Bibliography of Police History," and an index of legal cases.; ALEXANDER HV 7901 .E53 1995; CAMDEN, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV 7901 .E53 1995

The FBI : A Comprehensive Reference Guide: Athan G. Theoharis, ed. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1999.
Information on the history, organization, role and powers, facilities, day to day activities, and controversies surrounding the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Includes a chronology of key events, as well as an extensive annotated bibliography.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN REF HV 8144 .F43 T48 1999; CRIMINAL JUSTICE

12. Organized Crime

Encyclopedia of Organized Crime in the United States: From Capone's Chicago to the New Urban Underworld: Robert J. Kelly. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2000.
Personalities, events, issues, and trends associated with 20th century organized crime. Particularly strong on information relating to the American Mafia.; CAMDEN, DANA, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REF HV 6446 .K43 2000

The Mafia Encyclopedia: Carl Sifakis. 2nd edition. New York: Facts on File, 1999.
Nearly 450 entries relating to the personalities, places, and events associated with the American Mafia.; CAMDEN REF HV 6441 .S53 1999

Encyclopedia of International Organized Crime: Carlo DeVito. New York: Facts on File, 2005.
450 entries on criminal organizations, associated individuals, and activities in the United States and worldwide from the mid-19th century to the present.; ALEXANDER REF HV6441 .D48 2005

13. Substance Abuse

Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol, and Addictive Behavior: Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt. Revised Edition. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2001. 4 vols.
More than 550 signed articles on addictive substances and the social, political, economic, legal, physical and mental issues associated with addictions and addictive behaviors. In addition to drugs and alcohol, deals with addictions such as gambling and overeating. Appendix includes a state-by-state directory of drug abuse and alcoholism treatment and prevention programs.; ALCOHOL STUDIES HV5804 .E53 2001; CAMDEN, KILMER HV5804 .E53 2001

The War on Drugs: An International Encyclopedia: Ron Chepesiuk. Santa Barbara, CA.: ABC-CLIO, 1999.
15-page "Historical Overview" of drug trafficking followed by 642 entries on the social, economic, political, legal and environmental aspects of the drug trade. International in scope, however the most extensive coverage is of the United States and Colombia.; ALEXANDER HV5804 .C47 1999; CAMDEN REF HV5804 .C47 1999; CRIMINAL JUSTICE 78740

14. Terrorism and Homeland Security

Encyclopedia of Terrorism: Harvey W. Kushner. Thousand Oaks: Ca: Sage Publications, 2003.
One volume overview of terrorism with brief entries on terrorists, terrorist groups, terrorist activities including U.S. based groups, theoretical perspectives and government responses to terrorism. Appendices contain maps of terrorist activity and chronology.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN, DANA REF HV 6431 .K883 2003

Dictionary of Terrorism: John Richard Thackrah. New York: Routledge, 2004.
Entries on all aspects of terrorism and political violence including individuals, organizations, activities, incidents, and counterterrorist forces. This is a revised and updated edition of the 1987 Encyclopedia of Terrorism and Political Violence.; ALEXANDER REF HV6431 .T56 2004

U.S. Homeland Security: A Reference Handbook: Howard Ball. Santa Barbara, CA.: ABC-CLIO, 2005.; ALEXANDER, CAMDEN REF HV6432.4 .B35 2005

15. Women and Crime

Encyclopedia of Women and Crime: Nicole Hahn Rafter, ed. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 2000.
Focus on women both as perpetrators and as victims. Emphasis on the U.S., but also deals with women and crime in Great Britain, Australia, and Canada.; CAMDEN, DANA, DOUGLASS, KILMER REF HV 6046 .E56 2000; CRIMINAL JUSTICE 80531

Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work: Melissa Hope Ditmore. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2006. 2 vols.
Over 340 scholarly entries on a wide range of topics relating to the history and current issues in sex work and prostitution. Appendices include historical accounts, poems and lyrics, documents by sex workers, and legal documents and commentary.; ALEXANDER, DOUGLASS REF HQ115 .E53 2006

Encyclopedia of Rape: Merril D. Smith. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2004.
180 signed entries with bibliographies on current issues, theories, organizations, individuals, and incidents as well as the legal, physiological, political, and psychological aspects surrounding rape.; DOUGLASS REF HV6558 .E53 2004; CRIMINAL JUSTICE 94365

C. Research Guides

Criminal Justice Information: How to Find It, How to Use It.: Dennis C. Benamati, Phyllis A Schultze, ... [et al.]. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1998.
Also available online. [Restricted Access. Click on "Full Text from Ebrary" link in the record. Requires that you download the free Ebrary plugin].; CAMDEN, DANA REF HV 7419.5 .C75 1998; CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Criminal Justice Research In Libraries and On the Internet. Rev. Ed.: Bonnie R. Nelson. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1997.; ALEXANDER REF Z 5703.4 .C73 N45 1997, CAMDEN REF HV 7419 .N45 1997

D. Internet Guides

Florida State University School of Criminology & Criminal Justice. Criminal Justice Links: One of the largest gateways to criminal justice information. Compiled by Cecil Greek.

Criminal Justice Mega-Sites: Selective, annotated links from Tom O'Connor at North Carolina Wesleyan College.

Criminal Justice Resources Guide: Extensive collection of annotated links compiled by Jon Harrison at the Michigan State University Libraries.

Criminal Justice and Crime: A useful collection of links to government resources. From the University of Louisville Library.

WCJL Network: Bibliographies: Links to bibliographies on the Web that cover topics in criminal justice. Compiled by Phyllis Schultze, Criminal Justice Collection Librarian at Rutgers University Center for Law and Justice.

E. Directories

National Jail and Adult Detention Directory: College Park, MD: American Correction Association, annual.; ALEXANDER REF HV9463 .N3

Directory of Adult and Juvenile Correctional Departments, Institutions, Agencies and Probation and Parol Authorities: Laurel, MD: American Correction Association, annual.; Lists names of key employees, addresses and telephone numbers for department of corrections, adult and juvenile correctional institutions, parole boards. Updated annually.; ALEXANDER REF HV9463 .D57