The Politics of Injustice: Crime and Punishment in America

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.

I LOVED the book myself! Wish I had written it! Got straight to the point, AND made a lot of sense.