Reference sources are a great place to go for background information, definitions, and overviews of a particular topic. HPU Libraries provides access to a number of subject encyclopedias in Criminal Justice and related areas. Not finding what you need? Ask your librarian!
Credo is a database of background content, containing full-text entries to help learn the basics of any topic. Start your research here to focus your topic, find keywords and people, and discover more in-depth books and articles.