The Politics of Street Crime: Criminal Process and Cultural Obsession

The Politics of Street Crime examines how criminal justice policy and street crime became central focuses of American political discourse. Scheingold analyzes the political and cultural dynamics that transformed street crime from a law enforcement issue into a powerful political symbol. Through case studies and policy analysis, the book traces how politicians and media outlets framed narratives around street crime and criminal justice reform from the 1960s onward. The research draws on interviews, media coverage, legislative records, and crime statistics to map the evolution of crime politics. The work examines specific policy battles around policing, sentencing, and corrections to demonstrate how crime rhetoric shapes electoral strategies and public policy outcomes. Scheingold documents the rise of "law and order" politics and its impact on criminal justice approaches at local and national levels. This scholarly analysis reveals deep connections between cultural anxieties, political messaging, and the development of criminal justice policy in America. The book raises important questions about democracy, power, and the relationship between public fear and institutional responses.

This book appears to have limited reader reviews and engagement online. It is sparsely reviewed on academic platforms and book sites. Readers appreciated: - Analysis of the relationship between criminal justice policy and media coverage - Research methodology and data collection - Exploration of cultural attitudes toward street crime Readers noted concerns about: - Dense academic writing style that limits accessibility - Some dated examples and case studies from the early 1990s - Limited discussion of solutions or policy recommendations Available Ratings: Goodreads: No ratings or reviews found Amazon: No consumer reviews Google Books: No reader reviews The book is primarily cited and discussed in academic papers and scholarly works rather than receiving general reader reviews. Most engagement comes from criminal justice researchers and policy experts rather than general readers. Note: Due to the academic nature of this book and its publication date (1991), comprehensive reader reviews and ratings are limited online.

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🔎 Stuart Scheingold spent over three decades studying the relationship between law and politics, becoming one of the most influential scholars in the field of legal studies. ⚖️ The book challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that street crime policies are often driven more by cultural anxieties and political symbolism than by actual crime rates or public safety concerns. 🏛️ Published in 1991, the book came at a pivotal moment in American criminal justice, during the height of the "tough on crime" era and the War on Drugs. 📊 Scheingold's research revealed that media coverage of street crime typically bears little relationship to actual crime statistics, yet heavily influences public policy decisions. 🗽 The work builds upon Scheingold's earlier landmark book, "The Politics of Rights" (1974), which transformed scholarly understanding of how rights operate in American society and politics.