Check the library's Reference Collection (2nd floor) for the following excellent sources on the criminal justice system, race, and other social issues.
Encyclopedia of Gender and Society by 
Encyclopedia of Gender in Media by 
Encyclopedia of Family Life by 
Encyclopedia of Education by 
Social Issues in America: an Encyclopedia by 
Global Social Issues: An Encyclopedia by 
African Americans and Criminal Justice by 
Encyclopedia of Victimology and Crime Prevention by 
Encyclopedia of American Law and Criminal Justice by 
Latinos and Criminal Justice: An Encyclopedia by 
What is reference?
A reference collection is a set of books, databases and other items that provide background information on a topic.
A reference collection includes general sources such as dictionaries and encyclopedias.In college libraries, reference collections include specialized subject encyclopedias such as the Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family.
Why start with reference?
To gather background information that provides context, history and insight into your subject.
To get a sense of key issues, concepts and terminology.
To gather key words (or keywords) you can use to search for relevant source material on the subject.
Learn about the broad topic first. Then you will understand where to focus your research and discussion more deeply.