Customer Reviews

Crime is Not the Problem: Lethal Violence in America (Studies in Crime and Public Policy)

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I have used this book in several classes (In Florida & SC--so I am happy that Inga isn't one of my students)w/ great success. Changing the frames of CJ policy is crucial, expecially after this most recent election (it may be over by the time you see this). In sum: Lethal criminal violence sets the US apart, and much of what we do about it is irrelevant &/or misguided. Zimring's formidable data analysis is convincing--not that we embrace simplistic and ineffective programs like capital punishment, 3 strikes, or gun registration--but that we have much more work to do. Zimring's calls for inductive policy development highlight the difficult and ongoing choices that we will make. We can either continue the haphazard & simplistic policies of the [year 2000] presidential candidates (& at least one college freshman) or we can actually prepare to do some hard work.

Zimring and Hawkins provide a thorough and well-documented analysis of the reasons why homicide in America is so much more pervasive than in other industrialized countries. For journalists such as myself, this is one of the indispensible works. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand America's crime problem.

Ok, if you're thinking of buying it, first ask yourself "is misery really my friend?" if the answer is "yes" then by all means go buy this book. Of course if you have to read it for a class as i had to, I suppose you have no choice but to get it. I would tell you what its about, but my brain is still not back to normal functioning after trying to make sense of this garble. I think the title sums the whole thing up to be honest. Crime is not the problem, it's the lethal violence that is the problem. The book poses some questions, also suggests some vague answers. Ugh. Ewe. Spit spit. Have fun!