NCJ Number
18616
Date Published
1975
Length
447 pages
Annotation
SELECTION OF THIRTY-SIX READING REPRESENTING THE SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CRIMINAL LAW WHICH IS THE STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRIME AND THE CRIMINAL LAW.
Abstract
THESE SELECTIONS REPRESENT THE SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF THE CRIMINAL LAW AS A LIVING INSTITUTION WITHIN WHICH WHAT ARE BASICALLY POLITICAL DECISIONS ARE MADE. THE END PRODUCT OF THESE POLITICAL DECISIONS IS THE DEFINITION OF SOME BEHAVIORS AND SOME PEOPLE AS 'CRIMINAL.' THE BOOK IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR MAIN AREAS OF INQUIRY: THE CREATION OF CRIMINAL LAWS, THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND THE IMPACT OF LEGAL INSTITUTIONS. THE FOCUS OF THE BOOK IS ON ANGLO-AMERICAN LAW. THE TOPICS DISCUSSED INCLUDE VAGRANCY, RAPE, SOCIAL CLASS, POVERTY, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, LEGAL TREATMENT OF HOMOSEXUALS, POLICE CORRUPTION, POLICE VIOLENCE AND POLICE BRUTALITY, THE LAW IN A RURAL SETTING, CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, AND POLICE STRIKES. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)