Myths That Cause Crime

Pepinsky and Jesilow have done something that has often been attempted before.But in "MYTHS THAT CAUSE CRIME," but they have taken it to a higher level; they have managed to expose the weaknesses in our arguments for harsh sentencing of certain members of our citizenry and of our current ideas in identifying the actual causes of crime as we have come to think of it.We truly need to understand this subject at a deeper level if we intend to participate in further implementation of policies regarding our approach to crime and its solutions.Extensive research and consequent, vital knowledge has been presented for us in this work.In a recent study, it is determined that between 80% and 85% of Americans retain old and/or outdated, misplaced concepts about the subject of crime. And these concepts - which affects all Americans at some level - are clarified with the thorough studies and conclusions given to us by these investigators.If you are invested in the "Criminal Justice System" as it applies to, say...revenge, job security or personal profit you... will not gain any ammunition from this work.But if you are interested in truths and intense, objective input regarding the subject, you need to read and consider this work.As a fan of books, plays and movies I often see the words, "Must See" or "Must Read." As a rule, I'm seldom dissappointed.But in this case, if you seek real understanding of the subject of crime you MUST READ this book....

This was a book used in a Criminal Justice Theory class. The professor of my class is a grad of Indiana University, which is where one of the authors (Pepinsky) teaches. The book really takes a hard look at some misconceptions that the general public may have about crime. I noticed that the other reviewer used it in a class as well, but this is not a textbook. It's thoroughly readable and enjoyable. It's also something that you can go back to and read again, as I have done just recently and see how the book stacks up to the news about crime you hear today. It may surprise you!

This was required reading for my Advanced Criminology class for my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice. I found this book to be quite thought provoking. I graduated a year ago and have often thought about this book and referred to it in conversations with both liberal and conservative friends. I thought the approach was right on. It did not attack one ideology over another. It gave a good synopsis of what is wrong with the way we think about crime. It provided statistics and feedback about what works (which is little) and what does not work (which is too much). I am buying this book (again) and will read it (again). I really think it is a great book that is clear, concise regarding what is wrong with policies that attempt to control/eliminate crime.