
This concise, semi‑technical work tackles the persistent problem of crime by exploring why many offenders repeat their offenses and how society might respond. The author argues that most low‑level criminals act out of simple, primal drives rather than complex psychological pathology, and that effective deterrence often requires forceful, pragmatic measures. By weaving historical observations with contemporary statistics, the book sets the stage for a candid discussion of prevention, punishment, and the limits of rehabilitation.
Readers will encounter a taxonomy of criminal behavior that distinguishes habitual thieves, opportunistic offenders, and those shaped by dire social circumstances. The text balances stark realism with a call for targeted reforms, suggesting that education and strict control must go hand in hand when inmates refuse to cooperate. Ideal for anyone interested in criminology, policy, or the social dynamics that shape law‑breaking, the volume offers a thought‑provoking look at how societies can confront crime without losing sight of practical solutions.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (310K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive.)
Release date
2013-11-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A former prison official and criminology writer, he brought firsthand experience to books that wrestle with crime, punishment, and reform in early 20th-century America. His work mixes practical observation with strong opinions about how the justice system should change.
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