Ferguson, Robert A., 1942-2017,

Inferno : an anatomy of American punishment / Robert A. Ferguson. - Cambridge, Massachusetts : Harvard University Press, (c)2014. - 1 online resource (xi, 337 pages)

Includes bibliographies and index.

Introduction : the intractable problem -- Punishment misunderstood -- The ratchet effect in theory -- The mixed signs in suffering -- The legal punishers -- The legally punished -- The punitive impulse in American society -- The law against itself -- Coda : the psychology of punishment.

Robert Ferguson diagnoses all parts of a massive, out-of-control punishment regime. Turning the spotlight on the plight of prisoners, he asks the American people, Do we want our prisons to be this way? Acknowledging the suffering of prisoners and understanding what punishers do when they punish are the first steps toward a better, more just system.



9780674369931


Punishment--Philosophy.
Punishment--United States.
Punishment (Psychology)


Electronic Books.

K5103 / .I544 2014