The Politics of Injustice : Crime and Punishment in America

Rating:
Summary: More of the same
Review: "In democracies, the...arbitrary denial of opportunities is experienced as most painful. The fact that violence tends to get acted out among family members, acquaintances and neighbors rather than against the rich and powerful does not challenge this argument. Rather, it suggests that people close at hand are simply "convenient targets" for pent-up anger". Get the point? "...arbitrary denial of opportunities"? If you've got eyes to see it, you can find it anywhere. This book constitutes yet another liberal's whinning about the same old crap. I know, I know, capitalism's responsible for everything. People murder because of income gaps...and on, and on.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Expressions!
Review: I LOVED the book myself! Wish I had written it! Got straight to the point, AND made a lot of sense.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive Coverage, But Heavy-Handed Bias
Review: The book takes on the ambitious (and useful) task of analyzing America's political and legislative responses to crime. Where it is strong is analyzing broad trends and recording the themes, policies, and actors that have impacted federal policy and the national debate on crime. Where it is less strong is in developing its thesis that prevention should play a larger policy role than "tough on crime" enforcement policies. Its constant filtering of the data along these lines detracts from the information provided as the reader never receives the opportunity to come to his/her own conclusions before heavy-handed author commentary in each chapter. Also, the book is weak in its attempt to fully portray recent innovations in policing and corrections. Still, it presents an easy to read outline of the history of criminal justice policy and is sure to educate its readers.