The Supreme Court, Crime, and the Ideal of Equal Justice (Studies in Crime and Punishment) - Softcover

Smith, Christopher E.; DeJong, Christina; Burrow, John D.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0820461210 ISBN 13: 9780820461212

Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers, 2003

Synopsis

The words «equal justice under law» are literally etched in stone and prominently displayed above the entrance to the United States Supreme Court. These words stand as an enduring proclamation of a paramount objective of the courts and the Constitution. Although judges are the guardians of the Constitution’s principles, this book examines how their decisions both advance and impede the ideal of equal justice. By analyzing interpretations of «equal protection» and other rights affecting discrimination and disadvantages linked to race, gender, and social status, Smith, DeJong, and Burrow illustrate how constitutional law often facilitates the denial of equal justice for people drawn into the criminal justice system.

About this title

About the Author:

The Authors: Christopher E. Smith earned his J.D. from the University of Tennessee and his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. He is Professor of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. He is the author of seventeen books, including The Real Clarence Thomas: Confirmation Veracity Meets Performance Reality (Peter Lang, 2000), and Courts and the Poor.
Christina DeJong earned her Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland. She is Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. Her writings have appeared in Criminology and other journals.
John D. Burrow earned his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. He is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina. His research has appeared in Crime and Delinquency and University of Toledo Law Review.

Review:

«Smith, DeJong, and Burrow convincingly describe the American criminal justice system as fraught with discriminatory practices and procedures which have not been satisfactorily resolved by the judicial system. This engaging book is a worthy read for anyone interested in criminal justice or judicial politics.» (Madhavi McCall, San Diego State University)
«The authors analyze the Rehnquist Court’s failure to use its authority in interpreting the Equal Protection Clause and other constitutional provisions to advance the American ideal of ‘equal justice under law’. This provocative book is a must-read for public officials and informed citizens who are serious about addressing the reality of unequal treatment in the criminal law process.» (Joyce A. Baugh, Central Michigan University)

About this edition

• Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0820461210
• ISBN 13: 9780820461212
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 237