Book Review: Criminal Justice in America: The Politics Behind the System

• Author: Ronald G. Helms
• Published date: 01 December 2006
• Date: 01 December 2006
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/0734016806295592
• Subject Matter: Articles

[which]... are theoretical, but some are very practical” (p. 58). That being said, identity

theft must be addressed by each jurisdiction as a specifically prohibited crime. As of

yet, this has not happened. Unfortunately, only a handful of states are actually proactively

combating the issue.

The case study of Ahmed Ressam, who used identity theft to further the goals of Al

Qaeda terrorists groups, indicates opportunities for future research. Research on patterns

linked to terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, and other activities of organized

criminal groups will help us understand the dynamic aspects of identity theft and interna-

tional cooperation.

Additional research conducted in conjunction with or sponsored by the financial services

industry could also reveal interesting and useful data on identity theft. The financial ser-

vices industry maintains a unique vantage point as it is both victim and perpetrator, and

may become aware of a theft before the victim does or may recognize a developing pattern

before law enforcement does.

As identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes, the need for public edu-

cation about its dangers becomes increasingly important. The book depicts very strong

points regarding the problems of identity theft, the scope of this epidemic, and the genesis

of various federal and state laws. May and Headley do a commendable job of presenting

the information in a clear and understandable manner.

Kyung-Seok Choo

Utica College, New York

Marion, N. E. (2002). Criminal Justice in America: The Politics Behind the System.

Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press.

DOI: 10.1177/0734016806295592

Nancy Marion is a professor of political science at the University of Akron, Ohio.

Dr. Marion holds degrees in criminal justice and political science. To understand the U.S.

criminal system, one must comprehend the political system that has created the system of

law, law enforcement, judges, and prosecutors; one must understand the role of politics in

creating and amending the criminal system.

Marion immediately captures the reader’s attention in recounting the Columbine High

School Massacre of April 20, 1999 (p. 50). Marion surveys local statutes, state laws, and

federal laws in Criminal Justice in America: The Politics Behind the System. Marion care-

fully concludes each chapter with hypothetical exercises, concepts, related Web sites, and

review questions.

The Columbine opening led to a discussion of the politics of gun control. Whereas fed-

eral legislation on gun control seems mired in the politics of various interest groups, local

governments and school districts have enacted new policies to deter crimes involving guns.

Marion next reviews the concepts of power, structure, separation of powers, and checks and

balances. More to the point, Marion discusses the three concepts of criminal justice: police,

courts, and corrections system.

Marion indicates that “crimes are defined by federal, state, or local legislative body”

(p. 58). Marion explains natural law, statutory law, substantive law, procedural law, case

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