The Democratic Consequences of American Crime Control: Chicago Studies in Criminal Justice

Crime control is a central concern for any democratic society. In the United States, crime control policies have been shaped by a long history of racial discrimination and social inequality. These policies have had a profound impact on the lives of African Americans and other minority groups, leading to mass incarceration and the erosion of civil liberties.

Arresting Citizenship: The Democratic Consequences of American Crime Control (Chicago Studies in American Politics)

by Amy E. Lerman

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This article draws on extensive research conducted in Chicago to explore the democratic consequences of American crime control. We examine the impact of crime control policies on civil liberties, political participation, and the social fabric of communities. Our findings suggest that crime control policies have undermined democracy in a number of ways.

Civil Liberties

Crime control policies have led to a sharp decline in civil liberties in the United States. The Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, has been eroded by the rise of mass surveillance and stop-and-frisk policing. The Fifth Amendment, which protects against self-incrimination, has been undermined by the use of plea bargaining and coerced confessions.

These policies have had a particularly devastating impact on African Americans. African Americans are more likely to be stopped and frisked by the police, arrested, and convicted of crimes than white Americans. They are also more likely to be sentenced to long prison terms.

Political Participation

Crime control policies have also had a negative impact on political participation. Mass incarceration has led to the disenfranchisement of millions of Americans, particularly African Americans. Felony disenfranchisement laws prevent people with felony convictions from voting, even after they have served their sentences. This has a significant impact on the political power of African Americans, who are disproportionately represented among the incarcerated population.

In addition, crime control policies have created a climate of fear and distrust that makes it difficult for people to participate in the political process. The constant threat of police violence and arrest can discourage people from speaking out against the government or organizing for social change.

Social Fabric

Crime control policies have also damaged the social fabric of communities. Mass incarceration has torn families apart and left many communities without fathers and other role models. The criminalization of poverty has led to the stigmatization of poor people and made it difficult for them to find jobs and housing.

The fear of crime has also led to the rise of gated communities and other forms of social isolation. These communities are often designed to keep out poor people and people of color, and they reinforce the idea that these groups are dangerous and untrustworthy.

The democratic consequences of American crime control are profound. Crime control policies have undermined civil liberties, reduced political participation, and damaged the social fabric of communities. These policies have had a particularly devastating impact on African Americans and other minority groups. It is time for a new approach to crime control that is based on respect for human rights and the principles of democracy.

References

• Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. New York: The New Press, 2010.
• Beckett, Katherine, and Philip C. Stenning. Prisoners of the War on Drugs: Drug Prohibition and the Sentencing of Drug Offenders in the United States. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2019.
• Clear, Todd R. Imprisoning Communities: How Mass Incarceration Makes Dismantling Racism Harder. New York: Oxford University Press, 2017.
• Cole, David. The Punishment Paradox: The American Obsession with Crime and Imprisonment. New York: The New Press, 2020.
• Gottschalk, Marie. Caught: The Lives of Homeless Youth. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010.
• Simon, Jonathan. Governing through Crime: How the War on Crime Transformed American Democracy and Created a Culture of Fear. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
• Tonry, Michael. Punishment and Inequality in America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014.

Arresting Citizenship: The Democratic Consequences of American Crime Control (Chicago Studies in American Politics)

by Amy E. Lerman

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4353 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE