Book excerpt: A quickly absorbed jargon- busting introduction to the language of criminal justice and its unique and fascinating usages. The Pocket A-Z connects key terms, concepts, processes, laws, people and events. The 2,000 plus entries and cross-references give insight and perspective, making it invaluable to anyone involved in criminal justice work or study. • Get up to speed with the language of criminal justice • Touchstones aid understanding and memory • A handy reference guide for students, practitioners and anyone needing criminal justice insight The Pocket A-Z of Criminal Justice draws together words and phrases commonly encountered by practitioners and researchers. It represents real value for its breadth and simplicity. It also includes extensive sections on Touchstones and Curiosities, 500 commonly encountered Acronyms and Abbreviations and a Timeline. Bryan Gibson is a barrister, former co-editor of Justice of the Peace and a regular contributor to specialist journals. He has also written for The Times, Guardian, Sunday Express, BBC TV and The Stage. He founded Waterside Press in 1989 where as editor-in-chief he has for 20 years been ‘putting justice into words’ with books about criminal justice and related matters.