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.'