NCJ Number
157985
Date Published
1995
Length
347 pages
Annotation
Blending narrative and social history in this study of crime in a Canadian community, the author describes crime patterns and the evolution of Canada's criminal justice system over a period of 150 years.
Abstract
Using Hamilton, Ontario, as the study model, the author makes extensive use of newspaper accounts and police, court, and jail records to explore individual crime cases and overall crime trends. He traces the origin and evolution of courts, juries, police, and punishment and considers various social and cultural issues. For example, he shows how increasing centralization and professionalization of the criminal justice system and police deprive communities of input and how the legal system is dominated by males and biased against newcomers, strangers, and marginalized social groups. Often critical of government, the author paints a sympathetic view of police constables who play an ambiguous role in the community while being saddled with an expanding array of onerous duties. The book traces institutional developments and underlying values affecting law and order in Hamilton, Ontario, and emphasizes the importance of assuring both criminal justice and civil liberties. Notes, tables, figures, and photographs