This text argues that current US criminal justice policy has been designed as maintaining a threat of crime, rather than aimed at reducing crime. It shows that the system is often biased against the poor from start, with more severe industrial crimes often escaping severe punishment.

This text argues that current US criminal justice policy has been designed as maintaining a threat of crime, rather than aimed at reducing crime. To demonstrate this, the author shows that the system is biased against the poor from start to finish. The acts labelled as "crimes" are compared with other actions, such as those causing occupational or environmental hazards. The book concludes that the latter often produce more physical and educational damage than other forms of crime, yet those responsible are rarely treated severely.