The Roots of Justice: Crime and Punishment in Alameda County, California, 1870-1910

Studies in Legal History

by Lawrence M. Friedman, Robert V. Percival

Focusing on a single county at a time when the population grew from 24,000 to 246,000, the authors combine statistical analysis of documentary sources, contemporary newspaper accounts, and exploration in criminal case files to give a detailed reconstruction of the operations of the county's entire criminal justice system. By tracing the process from arrest to trial, sentencing, and punishment, this study will have a profound effect on our perception of American criminal justice.

Originally published in 1981.

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351 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Professor of law.

Also author of mystery novels, The Frank May Chronicles.