Sociological Perspectives on the Criminal Justice System
Spring 2025
How did the United States come to have the world’s largest prison population? This course examines the sociological factors behind the American punitive turn -- the shift toward tough-on-crime policies and mass incarceration. We will uncover how this transformation emerged from historical struggles among diverse groups, including politicians, economic elites, criminal justice workers, and social movements, each with overlapping and competing interests. We’ll also explore how mass incarceration has shaped the lives of different communities, paying special attention to its impacts on women, racialized groups, and immigrants. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how sociologists analyze the roots and consequences of America’s carceral state.
Criminal Procedure in American Society
Spring 2025