Books matching: the criminal justice system
78 result(s)
- #1
Save:Chris Hayes in 'A Colony in a Nation' presents a fresh perspective on the division within America, distinguishing between the Colony and the Nation. He draws parallels between the present-day racial disparities and the American Colonies under British rule, highlighting the unequal treatment faced by African Americans. Through personal experiences and historical references, Hayes delves into the role of fear in lawmaking, the impact of gun violence, and the prevalence of the private prison industry. He challenges readers to consider the implications of living in a divided America and reflects on the psychological and societal implications of this divide.
The book also explores the differences in the criminal justice system between the Nation and the Colony, drawing analogies between a functioning operating system and a disruptive computer virus. Hayes eloquently discusses the historical context of America as a colony under British rule, shedding light on the injustices faced by the colonists and drawing parallels to the contemporary issues of policing and justice in America today.
It was a few years ago. I heard a couple arguing loudly on the street outside my apartment. “Arguing” probably undersells it—he was screaming as he leaned over her, his voice punching her ears: “How s... On the Run: Fugitive Life in an American City by Alice Goffman delves into the lives of young black men in a poor neighborhood in Philadelphia, known as 6th Street. The author, a young white female sociologist, spent years living among the community as part of her research, witnessing and experiencing their struggles and interactions with the criminal justice system. Goffman uses a participant observation method to provide an intimate and detailed account of the challenges faced by these individuals, from difficulties in obtaining official identification to the constant fear of imprisonment and the impact of intensive policing and surveillance on black communities.
This book presents a raw and eye-opening exploration of the complex dynamics within marginalized communities, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by individuals living on the fringes of society. Through her immersive research and personal experiences, Goffman paints a vivid picture of a world where everyday decisions are influenced by the looming presence of the criminal justice system, offering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative on the struggles of those trying to navigate a system stacked against them.
Mike, Chuck, and their friend Alex were shooting dice on the wall of the elementary school. It was approaching midnight and quite cool for mid-September in Philadelphia. Between throws, Chuck cupped h...- #3
Save:'Charged: Overzealous Prosecutors, the Quest for Mercy, and the Fight to Transform Criminal Justice in America' by author Emily Bazelon is a thought-provoking exploration of the flaws and intricacies of the American criminal justice system. Bazelon uses two separate cases to illustrate the broader theme of criminal justice reform, focusing on the significant role of prosecutors. Through personal stories and legal analysis, she sheds light on issues such as mass incarceration, plea bargaining, and the power dynamics within the legal system. The book delves into the impact of prosecutorial decisions on individuals' lives and the urgent need for change within the system.
THE BLOOD WAS everywhere. Spattered on the floor of the hallway, on the doorframe of the bedroom, and on the bedposts. Soaked into the sheets and pillows, and covering the body splayed on the floor at... - #4
Save:"This Is My America" by Kim Johnson is a powerful novel that delves into the injustices faced by the Beaumont family. Tracy Beaumont tirelessly fights to prove her father's innocence as he sits on death row, while unexpectedly having to defend her brother Jamal who is accused of a crime he didn't commit. The book explores themes of systemic racism, injustice, and the struggles of African Americans within the criminal justice system, all woven together with a gripping plot and a writing style that keeps readers fully invested in the story.
Tracy's journey to seek justice for her family members, the challenges she faces, and the emotional turmoil she endures are portrayed with masterful storytelling by Kim Johnson. The book not only sheds light on the harsh realities of racial inequalities but also showcases the resilience, bravery, and determination of the characters in the face of adversity, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Albert Woodfox's memoir 'Solitary: Unbroken by Four Decades in Solitary Confinement' delves into his harrowing experience of being unjustly incarcerated in solitary confinement for 40 years. The book sheds light on the corruptible nature of power within the criminal justice system, exploring the enduring violence inflicted by political powers, bureaucratic systems, and racist beliefs. Woodfox's narrative not only highlights the inhumane conditions within the Louisiana prison system but also draws parallels to the hope-destroying violence in Manus Prison and Australia's treatment of detainees. Through his story, Woodfox portrays a resilient fight against the injustices he faced, serving as a poignant commentary on the failures of the criminal justice system towards people of color.
I was born in the “Negro” wing of Charity Hospital in New Orleans, the day after Mardi Gras, February 19, 1947. My mom, Ruby Edwards, was 17. My father was gone. He left her, she told me, because she ...- #6
Save:'Gallows Thief' by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in 1817 London, post Napoleonic wars. The story follows Captain Rider Sandman, a Waterloo veteran turned investigator, who is hired to prove the innocence of a man sentenced to hang for a murder he did not commit. Sandman delves into the seamy streets of London, uncovering the flaws in the justice system and racing against time to find the real killer before it's too late. combines elements of murder mystery, social commentary, and historical accuracy to create a thrilling narrative that captures the ambiance of early 19th-century London.
With a writing style akin to Cornwell's Sharpe novels, 'Gallows Thief' presents readers with a well-crafted plot, a likeable protagonist in Sandman, and sturdy supporting characters that add depth to the story. offers a departure from Cornwell's usual battle-heavy narratives, focusing instead on the intricacies of the criminal justice system, the social dynamics of the era, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Cornwell brings Regency England to life, weaving together elements of mystery, historical accuracy, and social commentary into a captivating tale of justice and redemption.
RIDER SANDMAN WAS UP LATE THAT MONDAY MORNING because he had been paid seven guineas to play for Sir John Hart’s eleven against a Sussex team, the winners to share a bonus of a hundred guineas, and Sa... "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the systematic subjugation of black men in America. Through meticulously researched arguments, Alexander reveals the deeply embedded racial biases within the criminal justice system, highlighting the disparities and injustices faced by black and brown individuals. The book traces the historical trajectory of mass incarceration, exposing the racial motivations behind the criminal industrial complex and shedding light on a new caste system that mirrors the oppressive nature of the Jim Crow era.
The writing style of the book is described as intelligent, powerful, and gut-wrenching, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism in the United States. Alexander blends academic sources with common sense observations to create a compelling narrative that not only educates but also urges readers to take action against the injustices perpetuated by the current criminal justice system.
For more than one hundred years, scholars have written about the illusory nature of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln issued a declaration purporting to free slaves held in Sout..."Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the injustices within the American criminal justice system. Stevenson recounts his experiences as a lawyer working to defend the wrongfully imprisoned, particularly those on death row. Through the central story of Walter McMillan, one of Stevenson's early clients, the book exposes the systemic issues of racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and lack of competent legal representation faced by marginalized individuals. Stevenson weaves together compelling narratives of individual cases with insightful commentary on the flaws of the legal system, making a strong case for reform and compassion.
The temporary receptionist was an elegant African American woman wearing a dark, expensive business suit—a well-dressed exception to the usual crowd at the Southern Prisoners Defense Committee (SPDC) ..."Popular Crime: Reflections on the Celebration of Violence" by Bill James is an examination of how popular culture is influenced by major crimes throughout history, particularly focusing on US crimes from 1880 onwards. The author delves into the reasons behind the popularity of certain crimes in the media, the impact of over-reporting on investigations and the justice system, as well as discussing broader issues such as the flaws in the American justice system and the evolution of crime coverage over the years. Readers found the book to be a mix of historical accounts of famous crimes, book reviews of true crime literature, and general reflections on crime and punishment, all presented in a somewhat meandering and at times disorganized writing style.
In Rome in the year 24 AD, the praetor Plautius Silvanus pushed his wife Apronia out of the window in the middle of the night. They hadn’t been married very long, or, we might guess, very happily. It ...- #10
Save:The Mars Room, written by Rachel Kushner, follows the life of Romy Hall, a woman serving two life sentences for murder, as she reflects on her past life as a stripper at The Mars Room and her experiences in prison. The novel delves into the dark and gritty realities of prison life, exploring the stories of Romy and the women around her, providing a character study of resourceful individuals trapped in a system that offers little hope. Kushner's writing style is described as deft, strong, and captivating, with detailed descriptions of California and San Francisco, creating a bleak yet engaging narrative that offers insight into the complexities of the justice system and societal failures.
Chain Night happens once a week on Thursdays. Once a week the defining moment for sixty women takes place. For some of the sixty, that defining moment happens over and over. For them it is routine. Fo...
