DECEMBER 17--What makes a good photograph? A compelling subject, proper lighting, and exquisite composition would certainly be components.

But what makes a good mug shot? A compelling subject, of course. And a cow costume never hurts.

On these pages you'll find the 2008 Mug Shots of the Year, 20 booking photos selected from among the tens of thousands reviewed this year by TSG's staff (all three of us).

While most of the images speak for themselves, on some pages you'll find links to stories providing additional details about the arrestees. As seen here, the list, arranged in descending order, kicks off with an unruly Jersey girl who got bounced from a Shore bar and then kicked, punched, and bit some cops. And befitting a year marked by a historic presidential election, the list reaches its apex with a group of suspects busted in the act of advocating change. (20 pages)