1. Describe the American experience with crime during the last half century. What noteworthy criminal incidents or activities occurred during that time, and what social and economic conditions might have produced them?
a. The American experience with crime during the last half century has been the main reason for the way our courts, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system operates the way that it does today. There have been many crime waves and other events that have played a key role in shaping the system as it is today. Some of these things include: the huge spike in organized crime activity during the prohibition years and its evolution into gangs and the laws concerning them today, the increase in reported crimes and enforced laws through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s as well as the change/increase in the types and availability of illegal drugs today. For example: prohibition effectively created a black market for alcohol, a sub cultural of illegal gambling, and other organized crime like protection rackets, to name a few. That paved the way for gangs and the way we handle them today.

2. What is the theme of this book? According to that theme, what are the differences between the individual-rights perspective and the public-order perspective?
a. The theme of this book is individual-rights verses public-order, specifically; the rights guaranteed by the constitution to criminal suspects and law abiding citizens need to be upheld and defended. On the public-order side of things, the needs of communities to be protected from unlawful and/or harmful behavior must be recognized as well. These two sides have opposing groups: individual-rights advocates and public-order advocates. Individual-rights advocates focus on just that. They make sure the rights of citizens and suspects are both upheld (like the right to a speedy trial and bail). Public-order