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 The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice Fourth Edition
Victor E. Kappeler and Gary W. Potter
This innovative alternative to traditional textbooks provides insightful observations of myths and trends in criminal justice. The authors dissect popular images of crimes and criminals in a cogent, compelling, and engaging manner. They confront the misleading statistics and fears that form the basis of myths—and the collateral damage of basing policies on mythical beliefs. The text encourages skepticism about commonly accepted beliefs and provides the tools necessary for critical thinking about complex problems. The media and interest groups shine a spotlight on some crimes and ignore others. Social arrangements dictate what is defined as crime and the punishments for those who violate the arrangements. Interest groups promote their agendas by appealing to public fears and creating social facts such as rising crime rates, which have no basis other than the public's belief in them. The social construction of crime is often out of proportion to the threat actually posed. The net-widening effect of more laws and more punishment catches those least able to defend themselves. Fifteen chapters challenge misconceptions about specific crimes or aspects of the criminal justice system. The authors trace the social construction of each issue and outline some of the realities of crime and justice. The text offers students a fresh perspective and encourages them to understand the system by stepping outside the usual framework and employing novel vantage points.
$31.95 list, 428 pages 10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-358-6 13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-358-4 © 2005 Instructor’s Manual available “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 Table of Contents
1. The Social Construction of Crime Myths 3. The Myth and Fear of Missing Children
4. Myth and Murder: The Serial Killer Panic |
