Research Guides: Criminal Justice: Background Information

Background Information Sources

Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Multidisciplinary collection of encyclopedias and reference sources within the Gale eBooks platform
CQ Researcher Plus Archive This link opens in a new window
CQ Researcher contains reports with background information on current criminal justice topics.
Reports are published weekly 44 times a year. Each single-themed, 12,000-word report is researched and written by a seasoned journalist, each providing researchers with an introductory overview; background and chronology on the topic; an assessment of the current situation; tables and maps; pro/con statements from representatives of opposing positions; and bibliographies of key sources. The CQ Researcher Plus Archive adds more than 3,000 reports, published between 1923 and 1990 to CQ Researcher Online.

Encyclopedia of Criminology & Criminal Justice
Call Number: ebook
Publication Date: 2014

Why background sources?

Sources for background information are also called reference sources. These resources can help you get an overview of a topic; define terms, theories; and point you to other more detailed resources. Book chapters can also provide you with overviews on topics, use Quick Search and narrow to books and ebooks to find them.