E-Books →Crime And Punishment in America

Organized chronologically, this new volume explores the development of the modern penitentiary system in the United States, the beginnings of the first police force, and the controversy over the use of capital punishment. Each chapter begins with a detailed narrative of the crimes and punishments of a particular period and includes infamous criminal stories, such as the Lizzie Borden case and the rise of the modern-day serial killer. The economic and legal conditions of these crimes are also examined in this in-depth book, as well as the political and civilian responses. Each narrative section is followed by a chronology of events, highlighting important dates in the history of crime and punishment in the United States. Eyewitness testimonies-from Al Capone, Charles Manson, and hundreds more-conclude each chapter, providing firsthand accounts from criminals, victims, prosecutors, politicians, and average citizens. Appendixes provide concise biographies of 149 important individuals, as well as primary source documents, either full text or excerpts; a glossary; maps; graphs and tables; notes; a thorough bibliography; and an index. Approximately 90 black-and-white images of the criminals, crimes, prosecutors, and others affected by crime and punishment complete this fascinating resource.