Unusually Cruel: Prisons, Punishment, and the Real American Exceptionalism

by Marc Morjé Howard

The United States incarcerates far more people than any other country in the world, at rates nearly ten times higher than other liberal democracies. Indeed, while the U.S. is home to 5 percent of the world's population, it contains nearly 25 percent of its prisoners. But the extent of American cruelty goes beyond simply locking people up. At every stage of the criminal justice process - plea bargaining, sentencing, prison conditions, rehabilitation, parole, and societal reentry - the U.S. is harsher and more punitive than other comparable countries. In Unusually Cruel , Marc Morjé Howard argues that the American criminal justice and prison systems are exceptional - in a truly shameful way. Although other scholars have focused on the internal dynamics that have produced this massive carceral system, Howard provides the first sustained comparative analysis that shows just how far the U.S. lies outside the norm of established democracies. And, by highlighting how other countries
successfully apply less punitive and more productive policies, he provides plausible solutions to addressing America's criminal justice quagmire.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

296 pages, Paperback

Published July 17, 2017

Reviews

[Tanner Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book singlehandedly propelled the issue of criminal justice reform into my top three most important domestic issues. It created an interest in the subject that I had never felt before.

It is superbly written and researched, but the true genius is the organization of the book. Mr. Howard does not even approach his argument until the last chapter, leaving the first dozen or so to set up the issue and describe how things are currently happening.

I recommend this to anyone and everyone interested in the United States’ criminal justice system. It is a hot button topic in American politics, but it does not need to be. There is an incredible amount of room for improvement that will benefit society and those convicted of crimes.

Excellent read.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important book because it puts the American system of "in"justice in perspective. Compared to other developed nations, we are indeed unusually cruel. My biggest "action" takeaway is that we should not give sentences of longer than 20 years, I don't care what the crime is, and that the presumption at that time should be release. Right now, parole is too rarely granted and there is a shameful number of people with no hope of freedom.

[Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and well written, this book serves as a good introduction to the horrors of the american prison industrial complex. However, I do feel like the book did not discuss bail enough. Additionally, I did find it occasionally a little repetitive and it was interesting how in just seven years the book has aged significantly, particularly because it was written before the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.

[Sofia Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

decent book for class

[Jordan]

Recommended by Melissa

[Mills College Library]

365.973 H8511 2017