Popular Justice: A History of American Criminal Justice - Softcover

Perhaps a better text for graduate students, who have the luxury of in-depth exploration, and who think more critically about issues. (W. Thomas Beckner, Taylor University)

A much needed historical perspective on the American criminal justice system. I will use it in my Intro. class. (Brian Smith, Montana State University, Bozeman)

An excellent survey. The best introduction to a highly complex subject. (Michael L. Kurtz, Southeastern Louisiana University)

A comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system that is certain to facilitate students' learning of key concepts and issues. Walker's integration of history with current policy initiatives is quite impressive. (Zina McGee, Hampton University)

Well-conceived and timely overview... (Dan O'Bryan, Sierra Nevada College)

Praise for the previous edition

An admirable, well-conceived work. An excellent and timely study (clearly formulated, succinct, critical, historically informed. A much-needed contribution.)

A concise and lucid survey of the evolution of American criminal justice institutions and criminological thought. It should be required reading for students of criminal justice. (Richard J. Terrill, Georgia State University)

A pioneering effort....This is a valuable introduction to a subject that is rapidly increasing in sophistication and importance. (David R. Johnson, American Historical Review)

This popular one-volume analysis of the evolution of American criminal justice places contemporary issues of crime and justice in historical perspective. Walker identifies the major periods in the development of the American system of criminal justice, from the small institutions of the colonial period to the creation of the police, the prison, and the juvenile court in the nineteenth century and the search for professionalism in the twentieth century. He argues that the democratic tradition is responsible for the worst as well as the best in the history of criminal justice in the United States. Offering a challenging perspective on current controversies in the administration of criminal justice in light of historical origins, the author explores the evolving conflict between the advocates of crime control and the advocates of due process.
Now in its second edition, Popular Justice has been completely revised to include the most recent scholarship on crime and justice. Walker has updated his analysis of the history of American criminal justice and explores the tension between popular passions and the rule of law. He examines changing patterns in criminal activity, the institutional development of the system of criminal justice, and the major issues concerning the administration of justice. Timely and comprehensive, this text will be useful for courses in criminal justice, legal history, and criminology.