Introduction to culture, diversity, and criminal justice

![CDATA[Many scholars offer critical debates on how the CJS is experienced through the lens of race and gender only, pertaining to both agents and consumer. However, consumers and agents all have intersecting identities beyond the scope of race and gender. The terms culture and diversity are significantly nuanced, underscoring a perceivable need to reflect on the personal and institutional benefits of being connected to more than one cultural and diverse group. Culture encompasses many shared and intersecting experiences and identities, such as traditions, dress, rituals, arts, norms, and daily behaviors. Accordingly, Herbert ascribes that while this term is likely to be associated with health care, it is a pertinent description of an approach that should be considered by all institutions, including those of criminal justice. Gaining cultural competence can be a complex process for all professions, from which Cross et al. suggests engagement in this process occurs on a continuum.]]