Gr. 8^-12. "Liberals say `poverty made him do it.' Conservatives say `welfare checks made him do it,'" notes one essayist with dissatisfaction before going on to claim eroding values as a major cause of crime. This latest Current Controversies title tackles crime from all possible angles, considering causes of crime, whether or not crime is increasing, criminal justice, and juvenile crime. Twenty-seven brief articles, dating from 1994 to 1997, provide current, differing viewpoints on the subject. One author claims social decay is a major cause of crime. Another looks at genetic factors and criminal behavior. Other writers disagree about whether or not crime is on the rise, depending on how it is reported. Reporters examining juvenile crime discuss the merits of punishment and the role gangs play in juvenile crime. Students will find the writing accessible and the articles useful for research. Bibliography; list of organizations. Anne O'Malley