One of the few studies of its kind, this political history of the Louisiana penal system from its origin to the near-present places heavy-emphasis on the development of penal policy and shows how the vicissitudes of the system have reflected the prevailing social, economic, and political views of the state as a whole. The author traces Louisiana's doleful history of convict leasing from 1844 to 1901 and provides a close look at the machinations of the notorious Major Samuel L. James, who controlled the state penal system ...
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One of the few studies of its kind, this political history of the Louisiana penal system from its origin to the near-present places heavy-emphasis on the development of penal policy and shows how the vicissitudes of the system have reflected the prevailing social, economic, and political views of the state as a whole. The author traces Louisiana's doleful history of convict leasing from 1844 to 1901 and provides a close look at the machinations of the notorious Major Samuel L. James, who controlled the state penal system for more than thirty brutal years. Professor Carleton analyzes the effects of the Huey Long regime and the heel-slashings of the 1950s which brought the penitentiary the label of "America's Worst Prison." Finally, he traces the slow, uphill battle of those interested in better treatment and preparatory rehabilitation for state prisoners. "At its worst," says Carleton, Louisiana's penal system "has been a barbaric and exploitative form of state slavery. . . . At best it has been a progressive correctional institution, administered by professional penologists with little or no interference from penal reactionaries or politicians." Politics and Punishment is a significant contribution to penal historiography and will no doubt serve as a model for similar studies in the field.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 232 p. Contains: Unspecified. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Very Good in Very Good jacket. T6-A first edition (no additional printings) hardcover book SIGNED and inscribed by author to previous owner on the front free endpaper in very good condition in very good dust jacket that is mylar protected. Dust jacket has wrinkling, chipping, crease, and some small tears on the edges, corners, and some sides, light tanning and shelf wear. Book lightly cocked, some bumped corners, light discoloration and shelf wear. Mark Thomas Carleton was a historian who specialized in political studies of Louisiana. From 1964 until his death at the age of sixty, he was a professor at Louisiana State University in his native Baton Rouge. In 1971, Carleton published his Politics and Punishment: The History of the Louisiana State Penal System (1971), with emphasis on the large prison farm at Angola, bordered on three sides by the Mississippi River. Carleton reports that nearly "overnight" in Louisiana and several other southern prisons, the inmate population became predominantly African American. The prison was populated at first mostly by young men from farming backgrounds. Carleton claims that agriculture became key to southern prisons in the era after the American Civil War. Convict labor and farm work became "synonymous terms in the public and political mind." 8.75"x5.75", 215 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed.
