War on Alcohol, Chapter 7

Introduction to Prohibition and Its Impact on American Governance

  • Title: The War on Alcohol: Prohibition and the Rise of the American State

  • Author: Lisa McGirr

  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

  • Context: Prohibition marked a significant shift in governmental power dynamics and criminal justice in the United States.

Building the Penal State Under Hoover

  • Herbert Hoover's Election: In 1928, Hoover won the election largely due to promises that included addressing Prohibition's challenges.

  • Ongoing Issues: Strong disobedience to law, rampant organized crime, and a dysfunctional criminal justice system presented post-election challenges.

  • St. Valentine's Day Massacre: A notable event that underscored the crisis, showcasing organized crime's unchecked violence in Chicago.

Hoover's Inaugural Address

  • Focus on Lawlessness: Hoover emphasized the need to combat the disregard for law as critical to maintaining the nation's order.

  • Structural Reforms: He called for a comprehensive overhaul of the federal justice system to enhance law enforcement effectiveness.

The Wickersham Commission

  • Establishment: Commission formed to study criminal justice systems and assess the enforcement of the Eighteenth Amendment (Prohibition).

  • Hoover's Reforms: Advocated for systemic changes and professionalization in law enforcement based on social-scientific research.

Shift in Crime Perception

  • National Concern: Hoover's address marked a historical shift where crime began to be seen as a national issue rather than solely a local one.

  • Justice System Pressure: The increase in crime presented a unique challenge, leading Hoover to introduce nationwide investigations into criminal justice efficiency.

Prohibition's Effect on Crime and Society

  • Rise of Organized Crime: The illegal liquor trade bolstered organized crime in the U.S., with criminal enterprises gaining unprecedented power and resources.

  • Public Perception: Media portrayal of crime during Prohibition played a crucial role in shaping public anxiety and fear about crime rates.

Enforcement Challenges and Crime Statistics

  • Increase in Crime Rates: Statistical data showed an upward trend in violent crime during the Prohibition era, with notable increases in murder and other offenses.

  • Challenges in Law Enforcement: Enforcement agencies were overwhelmed, with public outcry leading to increasing calls for more effective crime control measures.

Legislative and Judicial Shifts

  • New Laws: The government responded to crime surges with stricter laws and penalties, including the introduction of the Jones Act.

  • Judicial Reform: Prohibition exposed inefficiencies in the judicial system, prompting calls for administrative reorganization and efficiency improvements.

The Role of Social Sciences in Law Enforcement

  • Scientific Approach: Emphasis on research and data collection to inform law enforcement practices and strategies during the Prohibition era.

  • Federal Crime Reporting: The introduction of systematic national crime statistics was a pivotal development during this period.

Impact on Incarceration Rates and Prison System

  • Rising Incarceration: Federal prisoners increased significantly due to Prohibition-related convictions, leading to overcrowded conditions in existing facilities.

  • Prison Reforms: Overcrowding and high incarceration rates initiated discussions about prison reform and the need for better management and conditions.

Conclusion: Legacy of Prohibition

  • Transformation of State Power: Prohibition fundamentally transformed the relationship between citizens and the state, expanding federal authority in law enforcement and public policy.

  • Enduring Changes: The criminal justice practices and policies initiated during Prohibition laid the groundwork for future government interventions and set a precedent for the subsequent 'War on Drugs.'