The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice [Paperback]

Victor E. Kappeler (Author), Mark Blumberg (Author), Gary W. Potter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 18, 2000 | ISBN-10: 1577660781 | ISBN-13: 978-1577660781 | Edition: 3rd

This refreshing, illuminating volume offers students of crime and justice an innovative alternative to traditional criminal justice texts. Each of the authoritative, well-written chapters questions our most basic assumptions of crime and justice, covering relevant issues such as juvenile crime, the death penalty, and serial murder. Each crime problem is carefully traced from its creation to society's integration of a myth into popular thinking and eventually social policy. Refined through two best-selling editions, the Third Edition continues to offer broad applications in the classroom. Its provocative viewpoints challenge habitual perspectives, thus making this text an excellent starting point for understanding the realities of criminal justice and an engaging alternative to reinforcing crime myths.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: 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). --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc; 3rd edition (January 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577660781
• ISBN-13: 978-1577660781
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,527,286 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Victor E. Kappeler is Foundation Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University. He received his Ph.D. from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. He is the author of numerous books on policing and criminology including, Forces of Deviance, Constructing Crime, Police and Society, Critical Issues in Police Civil Liability, Community Policing, and The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice. He is widely published in academic and scientific journals among them are Social Problems, Justice Quarterly, Journal of Criminal Justice, and Criminal Law Bulletin. Dr. Kappeler has received numerous awards by both academic institutions and governmental agencies for his contributions to criminal justice.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the Best General Introduction to the Topic, February 16, 2001

By 

Mark R. Jorgensen (Saint Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice (Paperback)

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!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True to its Title!, March 11, 2007

By 

Fitba Fan (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Speaking the Truth, May 4, 2011

By 

Ty Hyderally "Ty Hyderally" (Kinnelon, NJ, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice (Paperback)

When it comes to the Criminal Justice system misconceptions abound. This book does a great job of breaking down some of those myths and dispelling them. It is presented in a very readable format and covers a wide variety of Criminal Justice topics. It helps the reader have a better and more valid understanding of the system and how it works in real life.