This book offers a clear explanation and critical analysis of the criminal justice system and of all the major stages of an investigation including both pre-trial and trial processes. The authors discuss the principles and theories behind how the criminal justice system operates, and tackle the controversial issues that continue to permeate the subject, including: policing and police powers, the prosecution process, the rights of suspects and victims, court processes, and appeals against conviction. Whilst no system can ever be perfect, the authors carefully consider each element of it, and then pose the important question: why do miscarriages of justice occur? Now in its third edition, this book has been thoroughly revised and updated to take into account recent developments in the criminal justice system. Each chapter incorporates a unique combination of traditional legal material, empirical research findings, and socio-legal analysis, making this book suitable for students of law, criminology, and social science.