Chapter 6: Crime and Punishment

deterrent effect

the supposed impact of imprisonment on the likelihood of future commission of crimes.

mass incarceration

a major increase in the number of people in prison in the United States that began in the mid-1970s; refers to both the rapid increase and the racial imbalance of the prison population, in addition to the social mechanisms that facilitate that imbalance.

police state

the network of legal institutions that enforce legal and social rules in addition to reinforcing White supremacy

racial terrorism

the institution of violence that targeted Black people and was used to enforce racial subordination and segregation

underground economy

the combined forms of economic enterprise classified as criminal under current law

white-collar crime

illegal acts, such as technological crimes, environmental law violations, and tax evasion, that are committed by those from affluent communities and wealthy corporations