NCJ Number
47039
Editor(s)
H ZINN
Date Published
1974
Length
287 pages
Annotation
EXAMPLES OF INJUSTICE IN EVERDAY LIFE ARE RECOUNTED BY STUDENTS, INMATES, AND OTHER OBSERVERS FROM THE BOSTON, MASS., AREA.
Abstract
THE WRITINGS ARE PRIMARILY EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS OF THE WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE ACTUALLY EXPERIENCE JUSTICE, OR INJUSTICE, IN THEIR LIVES. THE BOOK REFLECTS THE VIEW THAT EVERYDAY JUSTICE IS DETERMINED NOT BY THE CONSTITUTION OR THE SUPREME COURT, BUT BY THE REALITIES OF WEALTH AND POWER: THE POWER OF THE POLICE OFFICER ON THE STREET; THE RULE OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE; THE AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERVISOR OVER EMPLOYEES (OR OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES AND PERSONNEL OFFICES OVER THE JOBLESS); THE POWER OF THE TEACHER AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR OVER STUDENTS, THE POWER OF PARENTS OVER CHILDREN (OR OF YOUTH OVER THE ELDERLY); AND THE POWER EXERCISED BY THE WELFARE BUREAUCRACY OVER THE POOR, BY LANDLORDS OVER TENANTS, BY PRISON GUARDS OVER INMATES, AND BY THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OR HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION OVER THE PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY ILL. INJUSTICES PERPETRATED IN THE COURSE OF SUCH RELATIONSHIPS ARE RECOUNTED BY PERSONS WITH FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE. ALSO INCLUDED ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF CITIZENS' FIGHTING BACK AGAINST EVERYDAY INJUSTICE. (LKM)