This bulletin on criminal justice focuses on selected aspects of the U.S. legal system, including the police, the courts, and the prisons as well as on the protections and guarantees that reinforce the legitimacy of the U.S. legal process. Unit 1, "The Role of Law in a Free Society," is designed to enhance the awareness of students about the persuasive nature of law in their lives. The second unit, "Some Basic Features of Criminal Law," is an introduction to basic features of the criminal law of New York State. Examples which clarify the concepts are provided. Unit 3, "The Police," is designed to acquaint students with police practices and problems. The rights of individuals are outlined and a discussion of the more basic rules on the law of search and seizure is included. Unit 4, "The Courts," deals with the court in New York State. Unit 5, "Fair Trial and the Rights of Defendants," is devoted to a discussion of the rights of the accused. Unit 6, "The Penal System," describes what happens after sentencing. Unit 7, "Instructional Strategies for Law Studies," presents seven exemplary lessons in law-related education. Each unit concludes with a bibliography and an alphabetical listing of audio-visual materials. The units may be combined and incorporated into law-related courses as desired by the teacher. The bulletin concludes with a list of community resources which may be of assistance in furthering law-related education. (APG)