Product Description

Now in its fourth edition, this widely used and superior alternative to traditional criminal justice books continues both effectively and clearly to debunk myths cited in the popular literature regarding the problems of criminality in the U.S. It serves as a solid foundation for readers to probe beneath popular notions of crime, criminals, and crime control. Each well-written chapter provides a distinct avenue for exploring misconceptions about specific crimes or particular aspects of the system. Kappeler and Potter’s provocative examination of the realities of crime and justice is a must read for anyone serious about crime, criminal justice, or criminology. Not-for-sale instructor resource material available to college and university faculty only; contact publisher directly.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #365002 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 428 pages

From the Publisher
Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Culbertson-Weisheit, "Order Under Law": Readings in Criminal Justice, Sixth Edition (ISBN 9781577662075); Potter-Kappeler, Constructing Crime: Perspectives on Making News and Social Problems, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577664468); and Shelden et al., Crime and Criminal Justice in American Society (ISBN 9781577664789).

From the Back Cover
"Given the power of perception, and the prevalence of misperception, this book proves to be valuable for addressing widely held but poorly supported conclusions." -- Robert Engvall, Roger Williams University

"By far the best book available for exposing many of the misconceptions that pervade the criminal justice system. Every member of the public should read these discussions to understand the truth that is distorted by political representatives to serve their own purposes. The book presents a side of the system that is rarely viewed with open eyes. I was happy to see the fourth edition since I used the second and third editions in the past." -- Robert Griffiths, Suffolk County Community College

"This is a fascinating text. What an eye-opener to our criminal justice reality." -- Daniel S. Murphy, Appalachian State University

"Well documented insights into criminal behavior and its societal perception." -- Marianna Klochko, Ohio State University, Marion

"Today's students have grown up in a world dominated by media myths. This text serves to counter and dispel those myths and provides a wonderful opportunity for discussion in class." -- Jeffrey McDade, Graceland University

"An excellent text that employs critical thinking to examine some common misperceptions about crime in America." -- Mark Stelter, Montgomery College

"Students find it fascinating and informative. I have used the book in a variety of courses since the first edition was published." -- Lydia M. Long, Abilene Christian University

"The book is an amazing teaching tool to get beyond the common stereotypical ideas students and the public have about crime in the U.S. and the criminal justice system." -- Michael J. Coyle, Arizona State University

"Kappeler and Potter are probably the best at debunking the array of crime myths perpetuated by contemporary American media. Their approach is balanced and comprehensive. The book is written and organized in a fashion that students find nonthreatening and engaging." -- A. Rafik Mohamed, University of San Diego

"This is one of the few publications that explores assumptions in criminal justice that somehow have become fact, and reveals the often weak or nonexistent underpinnings of those assumptions." -- Dane A. Cameron, California State University, Chico

"Absolutely excellent. A dream come true for critical analysis and pointing in the direction our nation must move in order to survive." -- Noelie Rodriguez, Hawaii Community College

Customer Reviews

This is the Best General Introduction to the Topic
This is a good introduction to the misinformation and mythology that pervades our knowledge of crime and criminal justice. I have used this book as a required text when I teach CJ classes. It is perfect as a complement to traditional textbooks and a good read in itself. While I wish the authors would tighten up some sections and extend their coverage to more topics, this is the best book of its type available. The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice shows how much of what we think we know just isn't so!

True to its Title!
If the measure of a good book is ability to stimulate thought then this is a good book! The authors systematically examine a range of common beliefs held about the criminal justice system and illustrate these are either wrong, or at least should be closely scrutinized. They undoubtedly adopt a critical perspective in their analysis, which is very refreshing and a valuable counter to media sensationalism over mythical "superpredators" and other common images. The authors' claims are based on freely available evidence rather than haphazard appeals to "common sense" and as such is a valuable resource to stimulate debate on crime issues.

Some eye opening information here
Two things really stick in my mind:
1) There are seven black people in prison for every white one.
2) There are nearly a factor of ten more Americans in jail than Europeans
( the USA has more people in jail than South Africa with that history of
oppression).
The impression this book gives is that the people in power
want the laws the way they are and the people scared.
That crime is under control and the drug problem on the decline
even in minority communities is not information
popular with the industry that supplies materials to
police agencies.
The book leaves you with the impression that corporate /
white collar crime like pollution and fraud are more
the current social problem than child abuse
or mass murders.
This book should be required reading for Republicans?