NCJ Number
42613
Journal
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume: 423 Dated: (JANUARY 1976) Pages: 1-13
Date Published
1976
Length
13 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHOR TAKES A HISTORICAL LOOK AT CRIMINAL VIOLENCE IN AMERICA'S PAST THROUGH 1876.
Abstract
AMERICA HAS LONG BEEN NOTORIOUS FOR ITS VIOLENCE, BUT ILLEGITIMATE CRIMINAL VIOLENCE HAS RECEIVED RELATIVELY LITTLE ATTENTION. VIGILANTISM IS THE BEST KNOWN OF THE SPECIFICALLY AMERICAN FORMS OF SOCIAL VIOLENCE. IT WAS IN ITS WIDER SENSE AN IMPORTANT FORM OF POLITICAL EXPRESSION. GUNFIGHTING HAS BEEN LESS IMPORTANT IN U.S. ACTUAL HISTORY, BUT VERY SIGNIFICANT IN THE NATIONAL IMAGINATION. URBAN RIOT AND CRIME ARE NEW FIELDS OF STUDY, DRAWING HEAVILY ON INTERDISCIPLINARY METHODS. ALL SORTS OF STREET VIOLENCE DECREASED WITH THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, AND THE CENTENNIAL CITY WAS QUIETER THAN ANY EARLIER.(AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...TWH