Book Review by Eve Pell
Book author: Anne Marie Cusac
Why does our nation, with 5 percent of the world’s people, have 25 percent of its prisoners, about 2 million? Why do we keep at least 25,000, maybe double that, in long-term isolation, a situation known to cause insanity, when other nations have more effective and humane methods of managing violence? Why do we inflict intense physical pain, sometimes to the point of death, with tasers, stun belts and restraint chairs at a time when violent crime is not on the increase?
Cruel and Unusual looks at dominant American cultural beliefs, attitudes, values and expectations towards crime and how they shape the style and character of our prison system. It gives us insight into how other institutions are formed in America and around the world as well. It’s a great discussion piece!
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