The History of Punishment

No nation in history has valued individual freedom more highly than the United States of America. Its people's right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is enshrined in the Constitution. But even the most free, democratic society cannot allow its members to do entirely as they want. Every civilization has had its code of values, its system of laws––and each has defended that system by punishing wrongdoers. America has led the world in developing and upholding an even-handed, humane, and accountable criminal-justice system. Although an impressive achievement, there are few signs of an end to crime. Where have we gone wrong? Have we tried too hard to be lenient or have we, on the contrary, brutalized offenders with harsh and unfair punishments? As enthralling as it is illuminating, this book sets our current situation in its longer-term perspective, tracing the history of punishment from the earliest times to the present day.