Summary of The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice

The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice is a comprehensive examination of the myths that have come to typify social understandings of and attitudes toward crime and criminal justice as embedded in the public consciousness. Written by Ronald L. Akers and Christine S. Sellers, the book gives an easy to understand explanation of key criminal justice topics, including criminal justice processes and institutions, the criminal justice system's history and development, the evolution of criminal justice over time, the media's impact on public perception, and the development of the evidence-based approach to crime control. Akers and Sellers provide real-life examples to show the influence of myths within the criminal justice system and how the myths have impacted the development of policy. The book also addresses questions of race, class, gender, and justice in a detailed and critical manner. By combining the authors' research and expertise in the field with clear and relatable illustrations, The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice succeeds in inspiring readers to think critically and independently about typical criminal justice topics.