In Criminology: The Essentials, authors Anthony Walsh and Cody Jorgensen introduce students to major theoretical perspectives and criminology topics in a concise, easy-to-read format. This straightforward overview of the major subject areas in criminology thoroughly covers the most up-to-date advances in theory and research, while challenging students to consider the applications of these theories as well as their policy implications. Updates to the Fifth Edition include new topics and developments in criminology, such as racial disparities in arrest rates, insights from the Big Five personality traits, cognitive behavioral therapy, gun violence and policy, and the opioid epidemic. It also offers detailed evaluations of theories to deepen student understanding and foster engaging classroom discussions.