David R. Reiman is an American philosopher, social scientist, and author known for his work on criminal justice, social policy, and political philosophy. He is the author of several books on these topics, including "The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison," "Criminology: A Sociological Understanding," and "Policing for Profit."
"The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison" is perhaps Reiman's most well-known work. In this book, Reiman examines the relationship between social class and the criminal justice system in the United States. He argues that the criminal justice system disproportionately punishes poor and marginalized communities, while the wealthy are able to avoid punishment or receive more lenient sentences. Reiman also discusses the role of corporate power and lobbying in shaping criminal justice policy and argues for reforms that would address these inequalities.
"Criminology: A Sociological Understanding" is a textbook that introduces readers to the study of crime and criminal behavior. Reiman examines the various theories that have been developed to explain criminal behavior, including sociological, psychological, and biological theories. He also discusses the role of social institutions, such as the family, education, and the economy, in shaping criminal behavior. The book also covers the history of criminology and the ways in which it has evolved over time.
"Policing for Profit" is a book that examines the use of civil asset forfeiture by law enforcement agencies in the United States. Civil asset forfeiture is a legal process by which law enforcement agencies can seize property that is believed to be connected to criminal activity, even if the owner of the property has not been charged with a crime. Reiman argues that civil asset forfeiture has been used disproportionately against poor and marginalized communities and has led to abuses of power by law enforcement agencies. He calls for reforms to the system to ensure that it is fair and just.
Overall, Reiman's work has made significant contributions to the fields of criminal justice, social policy, and political philosophy. His books are essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system and the ways in which it impacts different communities.
