The Great American Crime Myth

This is a cogent, although admittedly not unbiased, analysis of misconceptions about crime and the criminal justice system. The main theme of the book is that the `myths' on which efforts to deal with this crime `anxiety' are based stem from two common beliefs--that there is an unprecedented crime wave, and that government should and can do something to recognize the source and purpose they serve, and also to know how and why Americans react to crime. ChoiceWright offers a challenging new analysis of the misconceptions surrounding crime and an evaluation of the role of the criminal-justice system and the social context of crime. He notes that a comparatively high rate of violence has been characteristic of this nation from its earliest days and that crime waves and attempts at suppression have occurred at frequent intervals. He examines modern crime statistics and the distortions and confusion accompanying their use and looks at the effects of the pervasive fear of crime, demonstrating how law enforcement agencies and the press benefit from exaggerating its incidence and seriousness. The author makes a convincing case for the view that even with enlightened policies and higher levels of support, no criminal-justice system can, by itself, effect a significant reduction in crime. Since most crime is socially determined, he argues, we need to look at the conditions and attitudes within our society that create an atmosphere congenial to crime.