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Criminal and Justice Studies: Home

Introduction

This guide will list some of the resources available at the COD Library that you can use to find information when doing research on Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement / Justice Studies topics.  A list of various topics can be found below.

What is Criminology?

What is Criminal Justice Studies?

COD Criminal and Justice Studies Academic Program

COD Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA)

COD - Lewis University 3 + 1 Criminal Justice Bachelors Degree Program

COD Counseling Help

Streaming Video Databases

Over on the right are some other research tools that you can use to find information.

Be sure to ask for help at the Reference desks if you have questions or problems.

College Success Skills

Assassinations

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Assassinations:  The Plots, Politics and Powers behind History-Changing Murders

The Concise Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political History
Conspiracy Encyclopedia. Reference HV 6275 .C 66 2005
Conspiracy Theories in American History: An Encyclopedia (2003)
Encyclopaedia Britannica Online
Encyclopedia of American Political History. Reference E 183 .E 48 2001
Encyclopedia of Assassinations Reference HV 6278 .S 54 2001
Encyclopedia of Politics, the Media, and Popular Culture
Encyclopedia of U.S. National Security
Killing the President : Assassinations, Attempts, and Rumored Attempts on U.S. Commanders-in-Chief. General E 176.1 .O 45 2010
National Trauma and Collective Memory: Major Events in the American Century. General E 741 .N 43 1998

RELATED RESEARCH GUIDES

Conspiracies

History

Intelligence and Espionage

Political Science

Terrorism

 

Overview of the Assassination of President Lincoln, Friday, April 14, 1865
John Wilkes Booth background reading
The Conspirators background reading

List of COD Library books on the Assassination
List of COD Library books on John Wilkes Booth
List of COD Library videos on President Lincoln

The Abraham Lincoln Encyclopedia General E 457 .N 48 1982
The Civil War Day by Day: An Almanac. General E 468.3 .L6
Encyclopedia of the American Civil War
Encyclopedia of the United States in the Nineteenth Century.
The Lincoln Assassination Encyclopedia Reference E 457.5 .S 795 2010

The Trials of the Lincoln Conspirators

Internet Sites
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Ford's Theatre
Lincoln's Tomb, Springfield, Illinois

Overview of the Assassination of President Kennedy, Friday, November 22, 1963.

Background Readings

Dealey Plaza

Jack Ruby
Lee Harvey Oswald
Texas School Book Depository in Dallas

Warren Commission
 

Reference Books
Day by Day: The Sixties. Reference D 427 .D 3 1960/69
Encyclopedia of the JFK Assassination. General E 842.9 .B 45 2002
Encyclopedia of the Kennedys : The People and Events that Shaped America. Reference E 841 .S 527 2012
Encyclopedia of Cuban-United States Relations. (2004)
Historical Dictionary of the Kennedy-Johnson Era. Reference E 841 .B 85 2007
Encyclopedia of the Sixties: A Decade of Culture and Counter-Culture. (2012)
Historical Dictionary of the 1960s Reference E 841 .H 58 1999

The Kennedy Years:  A Biographical Dictionary

Primary Government Documents
The Warren Report: Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy. General E 842.9 .A 55 1964
Investigation of the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Hearings before the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy. General E 842.9 .A 54
Assassinations Records Review Board Report. General E 842.9 .U 56 1998

List of COD Library books on the JFK assassination
List of COD Library books on Conspiracies about the Assassination
List of COD Library videos about the Assassination

INTERNET SITES
JFK Assassination Records Collection, U.S. National Archives
JFK Gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Overview of the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., April 4, 1968
African-American History research guide

Background Readings
Civil Rights Movement
James Earl Ray
Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial

National Civil Rights Museum
Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Reference Books
Civil Rights in the United States. Reference E 184 .A 1 C 47 2000
Day by Day: The Sixties. Reference D 427 .D 3 1960/69
Encyclopedia of the Sixties: A Decade of Culture and Counter-Culture.
Encyclopedia of African American Culture and History.
The Greenwood Encyclopedia of African American Civil Rights.
Historical Dictionary of the 1960s Reference E 841 .H 58 1999

List of COD Library books on the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
List of COD Library videos on the Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Primary Government Documents
Findings on the MLK Assassination, by the House of Representatives Select Committee on Assassinations.
United States Department Of Justice Investigation Of Recent Allegations Regarding The Assassination Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1998)

Internet Sites
The Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change
The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site
National Civil Rights Museum

Overview of the Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, June 4, 1968
The Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles background reading
Sirhan B. Sirhan background reading

Kennedy Curse background reading

Reference Books
Day by Day: The Sixties. Reference D 427 .D 3 1960/69
Encyclopedia of the Kennedys : The People and Events that Shaped America. Reference E 841 .S 527 2012
Encyclopedia of the Sixties. A decade of culture and counterculture
Historical Dictionary of the 1960s. Reference E 841 .H 58 1999

List of COD Library books on Robert F. Kennedy
List of COD Library books on the Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
List of COD Library videos on Robert F. Kennedy

Constitutional Law

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

U.S. Constitution research guide

Constitutional Law Comes Alive:  An Innovative Approach  (an Open Access textbook by Profs. Tauya Forst and Robert Forst)
The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation (U.S. Library of Congress)

American Constitutional Law: The Structure of Governments
American Constitutional Law: The Bill of Rights.

The Bible in American Law and Politics:  A Reference Guide
Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights - General KF 3941 .A 68 U 88 2011
Encyclopedia of Religion and the Law in America
Encyclopedia of the American Constitution - General KF 4548 .E 53
Encyclopedia of the First Amendment - Reference KF 4770 .E 53 2009
Evolving Constitution: How the Supreme Court Has Ruled on Issues from Abortion to Zoning - General KF 4548 .L 54 1992
Great American Court Cases
Guide to the U.S. Supreme Court - General KF8742 .W567 2004
The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States - Reference KF8742. A35 O93 2005
Supreme Decisions: Great Constitutional Cases and Their Impact.
United States Supreme Court Reports - Reference KF 101 .U 584

See also the section on Rules of Evidence below.

Evaluating Websites Help

Exploring Constitution Law
http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/home.html
Find landmark cases and explore Constitutional law issues.

FindLaw US Supreme Court Center
http://supreme.lp.findlaw.com
Find recent con law cases under "Browse Cases by Topic for Each Term."

Landmark Supreme Court Cases
https://streetlaw.org/landmarkcases-org-new-cases-updated-content-improved-site/
A resource center to help students explore the key issues of landmark cases.

Open Jurist
http://openjurist.org
This website gives access to free published court opinions.

Selected Constitutional Law Decisions of the US Supreme Court
http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/cases/conlaw.htm
Highlights some landmark con law cases.

Corrections / Prisons

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

American Prisons and Jails:  An Encyclopedia of Controversies and Trends

Dictionary of Prisons and Punishment

Encyclopedia of American Prisons.   General  HV 9471 .S 54 2003

Encyclopedia of Community Corrections
Encyclopedia of Prisons & Correctional Facilities
Prisons and Prison Systems: A Global Encyclopedia - Reference HV 8665 .R 67 2006
World Encyclopedia of Police Forces and Correctional Systems - Reference HV 7901 .W 63 2006

List of Case Studies on Corrections or Prisons

Evaluating Websites Help

American Correctional Association  https://aca.org/

Corrections Connection Network http://web.connectnetwork.com
A comprehensive site of links about prison issues

Federal Bureau of Prisons   http://www.bop.gov
Go to the News/Information section for reports and publications.

Federal Bureau of Prisons Statistics   http://www.bop.gov/about/statistics/
The main place for prison statistics in the country.

Illinois Correctional Association   https://illinois-correctional-association.com/

Illinois Department of Corrections   http://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/Pages/default.aspx
The place to go for state information.

National Institute of Corrections   http://www.nicic.org
Go to the 'Resources' section of this web site where you will find a wealth of information on corrections topics.

Prisoners' Rights and Resources on the Web   http://civilrights.findlaw.com/other-constitutional-rights/prisoner-righ...
Resources about prisons, prisoners, services for inmates and their families, and other issues.

Criminal Justice Statistics

Because Data Can't Speak for Itself:  A Practical Guide to Telling Persuasive Policy Stories.   General JF 1525 .C 59 C 47 2023

Justice Statistics:  2024

The Mismeasure of Crime

Statistical Analysis in Criminal Justice and Criminology:  A User's Guide.   General  HV 7415 .V 57 2021

Statistics for the Terrified Criminologist.   General  HV 6018 .K 733 2019

 

Scroll down for Chicago and Cook County, DuPage County, Illinois, United States, and Inernational statistics, in that order

Statista

Statista provides statistical data on many topics including media, business, politics, society, technology, and education. Sources include market reports, opinion research institutions, trade publications, scientific journals, and government agencies. Charts can be downloaded or embedded for assignment purposes.

CHICAGO and COOK COUNTY

Chicago City Crime Map

Chicago Neighborhood Safety Tracker from ABC7

Chicago Police Department Crime Statistics

City of Chicago Data Portal for Public Safety

Cook County Violent Crime Rates and Maps from CrimeGrade.org

DUPAGE COUNTY

DuPage County Crime from BestPlaces.com

DuPage County Sheriff statistics

Dupage County Violent Crime Rates and Maps from CrimeGrade.org

ILLINOIS

Illinois Crime Rates 1960 - 2019

Illinois Crime Statistics from Neighborhood Scout

Illinois Crime Statistics from Safe and Sound Security

Illinois Prison Population Statistics from the Illinois Department of Corrections

Illinois Uniform Crime Report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Illinois Uniform Crime Report from the Illinois State Police (ISP)

Illinois Violent Crime Rates and Maps, from CrimeGrade.org

UNITED STATES

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)

Census Bureau (use the Search box to the right side to search for topics)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Crime Data Explorer

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Fifty State Crime Data

Gallup Poll Crime Studies

Pew Research Center Studies on Criminal Justice

INTERNATIONAL

Canadian Crime and Justice Statistics

Crime Index by Country,  from Numbeo

Crime Rate by Country, from the World Population Review (WPR)

European Union (EU) Crime Statistics

Global Organized Crime Index

Organized Crime Index

United Kingdom Crime Statistics

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):  Statistical Data

Criminal Law

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Crime and the Justice System in America: An Encyclopedia - General HV6789 .C6884 1997

Criminal Law:  The Basics
Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice - Reference HV6017 .E52 2002
Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment
Encyclopedia of Criminology - Reference HV 6017 .E 5295 2005
Encyclopedia of the American Judicial System - General KF 154 .E 53 1987
Federal Criminal Code and Rules. Reference KF 9606.99 .D 567

Finding Illinois Law (2nd ed., 2021)
Gale Encyclopedia of American Law
Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law
Illinois Compiled Statutes. Reference KFI 1229 .I 44

Illinois Practice Series
The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States - Reference KF 8742. A35 .O 93 2005
The Philosophy of Law: An Encyclopedia - Reference K 204 .P 49 1999
U.S. Statutes at Large.

See also the section on Rules of Evidence below.

List of Case Studies on Criminal Law

Evaluating Websites Help

FindLaw
http://www.findlaw.com
Select "For Legal Professionals" > "Criminal Law" > "Findlaw Library." There is also some additional material under "For The Public" > "Criminal Law."

Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS)
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp
Illinois state laws. The printed copy can found in the Reference Collection at KFI 1229 .I44.

Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure - from the ILCS,Chapter 725

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs2.asp?ChapterID=54

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA)
http://www.icjia.state.il.us/public/
This state government agency has many reports and other publications that are useful for studying criminal justice.

Illinois Statistical Analysis Center
http://www.icjia.org/public/sac/index.cfm

CSI : Crime Scene Investigation / Forensic Science

Crime Scene Investigation background reading

Reference Books

Criminal Investigation Handbook: Strategy, Law and Science - Reference KF 9619 .M 3 2023
Encyclopedia of Crime Scene Investigation  Reference HV 8073 .N 49 2008
Encyclopedia of Cybercrime - Reference HV 6773 .E 53 2009
Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine - Reference RA 1017 .E 53 2005
Encyclopedia of Forensic Science - Reference HV 8073 .B 425 2008
Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences 
Encyclopedia of High-Tech Crime and Crime Fighting - Reference HV 6773 .N 48 2004
Forensic Science: An Encyclopedia of History, Methods and Techniques - Reference HV 8073 .T 55 2006

Forensics for Dummies
The Law of Electronic Surveillance - Reference KF 9670 .L 38

List of Case Studies for Crime Scene Investigations  or Forensic Science

Websites

Crime Scene Investigator
This links to crime scene investigation articles and web sites.

Research Forensic Library, from Florida International University (FIU)

This links to publicly available materials.

See also the section on Rules of Evidence below.

Cyber Security / Cyber Crime

OPEN ACCESS TEXTBOOK:   Computers and Criminal Justice, by Prof. Eric R. Ramirez - Thompson
Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Computers and Criminal Justice (open access online textbook)

Cyber Security Cyber Glossary

Cyber Threats to Elections:  A Lexicon

Cyber Warfare:  A Documentary and Reference Guide

Cybercrime:  An Encyclopedia of Digital  Crime

Cybersecurity Lexicon
A Dictionary of Forensic Science.  Reference  HV 8073 .B 4246 2012
Dictionary of Information Security.  General  QA 76.9 .A 25 S 585 2006

Dictionary of Privacy, Data Protection, and Information Security

Digital Literacy:  Skills and Strategies.   Reference  QA 76.9 .C 64 D 5558 2022
Encyclopedia of Cyber Warfare.
Encyclopedia of Cybercrime.  Reference  HV 6773 .E 53 2009
Encyclopedia of High-Tech Crime and Crime Fighting.  Reference  HV 6773 .N 48 2004
Encyclopedia of Human Computer Interactions.  Reference  QA 76.9 .H 85 B 46 2004
Internet Technology
Encyclopedia of Terrorism   Reference  HV 6431 .C 65 2007
Encyclopedia of Transnational Crime and Justice 
Encyclopedia of Victimology and Crime Prevention
The Internet: A Historical Encyclopedia.  Reference  TK 5105.875 .I 57 I 5372 2005
The Internet Encyclopedia.  Reference  TK 5105.875 .I 57 I 5466 2004

Oxford Handbook of Cyber Security

Principles of Cybersecurity (an encyclopedia).   Reference  QA 76.9 .A 25 P 75635 2024
List of Case Studies on Cyber Security or Cyber Crime

 

COD Center for Cyber Defense Education

COD Computer and Information Technology Academic Program
COD Computer Information Systems Academic Program

Center for Trustworth Scientific Cyberinfrastructure (CTSC), U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

Cybersecurity Information Guide
Information Trust Institute (ITI), University of Illinois This academic unit works on information systems and security.
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Cybersecurity
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Security and Safety
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Cybersecurity
U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC)
U.S. National Security Agency (NSA)
U.S. National Security Council (NSC), Cybersecurity

Death Penalty / Capital Punishment

Gangs

Gangs background reading

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment 
Encyclopedia of Gangs - Reference HV 6439 .U 5 E 53 2008
Encyclopedia of Juvenile Justice - General HV 9104 .E 58 2003
Encyclopedia of Police Science - Reference HV 7901 .E 53 2007
Encyclopedia of Race and Crime - Reference HV 6789 .E 43 2009
Encyclopedia of Street Crime in America (2013)
Encyclopedia of Women and Crime - Reference HV 6046 .E 56 2000

Gangland:  An Encyclopedia of Gang Life from Cradle to Grave

List of Case Studies on Gangs

Evaluating Websites Help

National Public Safety Partnership
https://www.nationalpublicsafetypartnership.org/Clearinghouse/Toolkit/f9e7e
Toolkit for gang intervention, investigation, and prosecution

G.R.E.A.T. Program
http://www.great-online.org
Read about the Gang Resistance Education and Training curriculum.

National Alliance of Gang Investigator Associations
http://www.nagia.org
Contains extensive gang-related online articles and links to web sites.

National Youth Gang Center (NYGC)
https://nationalgangcenter.ojp.gov/
Useful for gang-related news, legislation and assessment practices.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
http://www.ojjdp.gov/
Use the Search button, enter 'Gangs' as a Keyword and check the Publications box on the right.

Gun Control

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights - Reference ; KF3941.A68 U88 2011
Encyclopedia of Street Crime in America
Gun Control: A Documentary and Reference Guide
Gun Control in the United States: A Reference Handbook. General HV 7436 .C 36 2017
Gun Debate: An Encyclopedia of Gun Control and Gun Rights in the United States.

Gun Policy in America, from the Rand Corporation
Guns in American Society: An Encyclopedia of History, Politics, Culture and Law. . Reference HV7436 .G8783 2002

Intelligence and Espionage

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Encyclopedia of Intelligence and Counterintelligence.
Encyclopedia of the Central Intelligence Agency. Reference UB 251 .U 5 S 63 2003
List of Historical Dictionaries on Intelligence at the COD Library

List of Case Studies on Intelligence and Espionage
COD Library research guide on Fake News
COD Library research guide on Lying and Deception

 

Defining Documents of American History:  Espionage and Intrigue.   Reference E 183 .E 824 2020

Emergence of the Intelligence Establishment (Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS), 1945 - 1950)

The Intelligence Community, 1950 - 1955 (Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS), 1950 - 1955).   General  JK 468 .I 6 I 684 2007

Australian National Intelligence Community Agencies

Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

France Directorate - General for External Security (DGSE)

National Geospatial - Intelligence Agency (NGA)

National Security Agency (NSA)

Society for Intelligence History

U.K. Government Code Headquarters (GCHQ)

U.K. Secret Intelligence Service (SIS, MI-6)

U.K. Security Service (MI-5)

U.S. Intelligence Community

 

Juvenile Delinquency

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Encyclopedia of Criminology and Deviant Behavior - Reference HV 6017 .E 53 2001
Encyclopedia of Juvenile Justice
Encyclopedia of Juvenile Violence - Reference HV 9104 .E 59 2007
Encyclopedia of Street Crime in America
Juvenile Justice in America - General HV 9104 .B 347 2014

General call number area for this topic is "HV 9104" in both the Reference Collection and General Collection.

List of Case Studies for Juvenile Delinquency

Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice
http://www.cjcj.org
This organization provides direct service, technical assistance and policy research on juvenile and criminal justice issues.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
http://www.state.il.us/dcfs
Official web site of DCFS.

Juvenile Information Network
http://www.juvenilenet.org
Web site intended to encourage communications among juvenile justice professionals.

Juvenile Justice Law Materials
http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Juvenile_justice
This is the Cornell Law School site for juvenile justice topics. It is a good reference with links to other organizations involving juvenile justice.

National Center for Juvenile Justice
http://www.ncjj.org/
Research division of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
http://www.ncjfcj.org
This organization is dedicated to improving the nation's juvenile courts.

NCJRS - National Criminal Justice Information Center
http://www.ncjrs.gov
An excellent resource for information on criminal justice information throughout the world. Select 'Juvenile Justice' for reports and papers.

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
http://www.ojjdp.gov/
Excellent source of information on juvenile delinquency issues.

Legal System

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Crime and Punishment in America : An Encyclopedia of Trends and Controversies in the Justice System.
Crime and the Justice System in America : An Encyclopedia.  General HV 6789 .C 6884 1997

Courts and Trials:  A Reference Handbook.   General  KF 8719 .S 552 2003
Encyclopedia of the American Judicial System.   General KF 154 .E 53 1987
Gale Encyclopedia of American Law.
Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law

Illinois Practice Series
The Judicial Branch of State Government : People, Process, and Politics.   Reference KF 8736 .J 83 2006

The Judicial System:  A Reference Handbook.   General  KF 8700 .L 46 2022
Legal Systems of the World : A Political, Social, and Cultural Encyclopedia.   Reference K 48 .L 44 2002
The Philosophy of Law: An Encyclopedia.  Reference K 204 .P 49 1999

Sentencing:  A Reference Handbook.   General  KF 9685 .C 48 2008

The State and Federal Courts: A Complete Guide to History, Powers, and Controversy.

BACKGROUND READINGS

British Common Law

Common Law Origins (from American Jurisprudence in Westlaw)

Common Law Justice Systems

Comparative Legal Systems

Law and Constitution in Early America

Major Differences between the U.S. and U.K. Legal Systems

 

BOOKS

Common Law in Colonial America:  Volume IV, Law and the Constitution on the Eve of Independence, 1773-1776

Constabulary:  The Rise of Police Institutions in Britain, the Commonwealth, and the United States

Essays in the History of Early American Law

Form and  Substance in Anglo - American Law.   Reference  KD 640 .A 95 1987

A History of American Law

The Magic Mirror:  Law in American History.   General  KF  352 .H 35 1989

Cook County Circuit Court

DuPage County - 18th Judicial Circuit Court

Federal Courts and Jurisdictions
Judiciary branch of government

Illinois State Courts
Legal Systems

Rules of Evidence

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Criminal Investigation Handbook: Strategy, Law and Science - Reference KF 9619 .M 3 2023
Encyclopedia of Crime Scene Investigation - Reference HV 8073 .N 49 2008
Encyclopedia of Forensic Science - Reference HV 8073 .B 425 2008
Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences

Finding Illinois Law (2nd ed., 2021)
Forensic GIS : The Role of Geospatial Technologies for Investigating Crime and Providing Evidence.  General HV 8073.5 .F 67 2014
Forensic Science: An Encyclopedia of History, Methods and Techniques - Reference HV 8073 .T 55 2006

Illinois Practice Series
llinois Rules of Evidence with Objections and Responses.  Reference KFI 1740 .C37 2017
 

Federal Rules of Evidence
https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/fre

Famous Trials
https://www.famous-trials.com/
Case summaries of famous historical trials.

Illinois Rules of Evidence

http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/SupremeCourt/Evidence/Evidence.asp

 

September 11, 2001

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Chronologies of Modern Terrorism. Reference HV 6431 .R 84 2008
Encyclopedia of Modern Worldwide Extremists and Extremist Groups. Reference HN 49 .R 33 A 85 2004
Encyclopedia of Terrorism.
Encyclopedia of World Terrorism. Reference HV 6431 .E 53 2003
Extremist Groups: Information for Students. Reference HN 90 .R 3 E 975 2006
Historical Dictionary of Intelligence Failures
9/11 and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq : A Chronology and Reference Guide.
9/11 Encyclopedia.

9/11:  The Essential Reference Guide
Political Violence and Terrorism in Modern America : A Chronology.  Reference HN 90 .V 5 H 49 2005
September 11 in Popular Culture : A Guide.. General HV 6432.7 .S 455 2010
Shocked and Awed : A Dictionary of the War on Terror.  Reference JZ 1253.5 .H 355 2010
The Terror Timeline : Year by Year, Day by Day, Minute by Minute : A Comprehensive Chronicle of the Road to 9/11--- and America's Response. General HV 6432.7 .T 46 2004
U.S. Conflicts in the 21st Century: Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Global War on Terror.
The War on Terror Encyclopedia : From the Rise of Al-Qaeda to 9/11 and Beyond.

U.S. National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States background reading
The 9/11 Commission Report : Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. General HV 6432.7 .N 39 2004b
Joint Congressional Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities before and after the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001. General HV 6432 .U 62 2002
Congressional Hearings into the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.

"Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S."  Presidential Daily Intelligence Briefing.  August 6, 2001. 

Memorandum for the Record [of a meeting between the 9/11 investigating committee and President Bush and Vice President Cheney].  April 29, 2004.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service's Contacts with Two September 11 Terrorists. General HV 6432.7 .U 558 2002
The 9/11 Investigations : Staff Reports of the 9/11 Commission : Excerpts from the House-Senate Joint Inquiry Report on 9/11 : Testimony from Fourteen Key Witnesses, including Richard Clarke, George Tenet, and Condoleezza Rice. General HV 6432.7 .A 132 2004
Final Reports from the National Institute of Standards and Technology World Trade Center Disaster Investigation.
A Review of the FBI's Handling of Intelligence Information Related to the September 11 Attacks. (U.S. D.o.J., 2006)
Our Mission and Our Moment : President George W. Bush's Address to the Nation : Before a Joint Session of Congress, Washington, D.C., September 20, 2001. . General HV 6432 .U 545 2001a
Pentagon 9/11. General HV 6432.7 .P 43 2007

9/11 Conspiracy Theories overview
Making Sense of Conspiracy Theories background reading
Fake News library research guide

Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth website
9/11 Contradictions : An Open Letter to Congress and the Press. General HV 6432.7 .G 7455 2008
The 9/11 Mystery Plane : And the Vanishing of America. General HV 6432.7 .G 34 2008
9/11 Review website
9/11 : The Simple Facts : Why the Official Story Can't Possibly be True. General HV 6432.7 .N 336 2011
Cognitive Infiltration : An Obama Appointee's Plan to Undermine the 9/11 Conspiracy Theory. General HV 6432.7 .G 7465 2011
Conspiracy Theories in American History: An Encyclopedia.
The Mysterious Collapse of World Trade Center 7 : Why the Final Official Report about 9/11 is Unscientific and False. General HV 6432.7 .G 76 2010
Planes without Passengers : The Faked Hijackings of 9/11. General HV 6432.7 .H 378 2011
Web of Conspiracy : A Guide to Conspiracy Theory Sites on the Internet. Reference HV 6275 .B 76 2008

9/11 Commission Official Website
9/11 National Museum in New York City

FBI Investigation
Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania
Library of Congress 9/11 Collection
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

September 11 Digital Archive
Smithsonian Museum 9/11 Collection
Understanding 9/11: A Television News Archive

Controversial Topics

Fake News

Intelligence and Espionage

Lying and Deception

Political Science

Propaganda

Psychology

Terrorism

Why We Believe

Social / Restorative Justice

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

African Americans and Criminal Justice: An Encyclopedia.

Encyclopedia of Capital Punishment in the United States
Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice.
Encyclopedia of Race and Crime - Reference HV 6789 .E 43 2009
The Greenwood Encyclopedia of African American Civil Rights.
Hate Crime in America, 1968-2013 : A Chronology of Offenses, Legislation and Related Events.
Latinos and Criminal Justice: An Encyclopedia
Social Justice and American Literature:  Critical Insights to Literature.   General  PS 169 .S 57 S 63 2017

List of COD Library Books on Hate
List of COD Library Videos on Hate

List of COD Library Books on Restorative Justice

List of COD Library Videos on Restorative Justice

List of Case Studies on Social  Justice or Restorative Justice
 

List of COD Library Books on Social Justice
List of COD Library Videos on Social Justice

Items on Course Reserves at the lower level Library Circulation Desk

The Big Book of Restorative Justice:  Four Classic Justice and Peacebuilding Books in One Volume  (This  includes the two "Little Books" that are required readings.)

Dreaming of a New Reality:  How Restorative Practices Reduce Crime and Violence, Improve Relationships and Strengthen Civil Society

The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice:  Black Lives, Healing, and U.S. Social Transformation

Using Restorative Circles in Schools:  How to Build Strong Learning Communities and Foster Student Wellbeing

Controversial Topics
Ethics
Death Penalty/Capital Punishment
Environment and Ecology
Fake News
Human Services / Social Work

Hunger and Food Security
Racism and Discrimination
Science and Politics
Social Problems

Terrorism

Why Reference Sources?

Is your research topic too big to cover in a short paper?  Is your topic so specific that sources will be hard to find?

Before you even begin your research, start the process with reference sources-- in the Library's Reference Section or online in our databases.  Reference books, like subject encyclopedias, can give you a head start and make your research easier in the long run.  Use reference sources to:

  • find a topic
  • narrow your topic
  • find keywords
  • get background information on your topic

Global Terrorism Database

Chronologies of Modern Terrorism Reference HV 6431 .R 84 2008

Domestic Terrorism and Extremism.  (Defining Documents in American History)   Reference HV 6432 .D 664 2022
Encyclopedia of Modern American Extremists and Extremist Groups Reference HN 90 .R 3 A 75 2002
Encyclopedia of Modern Worldwide Extremists and Extremist Groups Reference HN 49 .R 33 A 85 2004
Encyclopedia of Terrorism
Encyclopedia of World Terrorism Reference HV 6431 .E 53 2003
Extremist Groups: Information for Students Reference HN 90 .R 3 E 975 2006
Historical Dictionary of Terrorism

Modern American Extremism and Domestic Terrorism:  An Encyclopedia of Extremists and Groups
9/11 Encyclopedia
Political Violence and Terrorism in Modern America : A Chronology Reference HN 90 .V 5 H 49 2005
September 11 in Popular Culture:  A Guide.  General  HV 6432.7 .S 455 2010
Shocked and Awed : A Dictionary of the War on Terror Reference JZ 1253.5 .H 355 2010
Terrorism: Essential Primary Resources
Terrorism: The Essential Reference Guide

List of Case Studies on  Terrorism

Assassinations library research guide

Country Reports on Terrorism, from the U.S. Department  of State

FBI - Terrorism

Interpol - Terrorism

National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) - from the University of Maryland  at College Park

National Counterterrorism Center

September 11 library research guide

TRAC: Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium

  • URL: https://library.cod.edu/criminaljustice
  • Last Updated: Sep 26, 2025 3:40 PM
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