The criminal justice system in the United States is highly complex, and includes both the activities of law enforcement officers as well as court proceedings. Often, social and economic factors come into play in the arrests, trials, and rehabilitation of Americans, and many people recognize that there are problems with the system. This book explores whether bias based on race, sexuality, gender, and/or socio-economic status exists in the courtroom and in law enforcement, and discusses the pros and cons of the death penalty and criminal justice reform. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.