What’s Left of the New Deal State?
New Deal Law and Order: How the War on Crime Built the Modern Liberal State. By Anthony Gregory. Harvard University Press. 2024. Pp. 473. $45. Introduction A vast body of scholarship situates itself in the…The postWhat’s Left of the New Deal State?appeared first onMichigan Law Review.
New Deal Law and Order: How the War on Crime Built the Modern Liberal State. By Anthony Gregory. Harvard University Press. 2024. Pp. 473. $45. Introduction A vast body of scholarship situates itself in the…The postWhat’s Left of the New Deal State?appeared first onMichigan Law Review.
Executive Summary
Anthony Gregory's 'New Deal Law and Order: How the War on Crime Built the Modern Liberal State' challenges conventional narratives about the New Deal era, arguing that the expansion of the federal government's role in crime control was a pivotal development. Gregory contends that the New Deal state, often celebrated for its social welfare programs, also laid the groundwork for an expansive carceral state. The book explores how the federal government's increased involvement in crime control reshaped the liberal state, with lasting implications for civil liberties and social justice.
Key Points
- ▸ The New Deal era's expansion of federal power included significant developments in crime control.
- ▸ The war on crime was a critical component in the construction of the modern liberal state.
- ▸ The book critiques the traditional focus on social welfare programs, highlighting the carceral aspects of the New Deal state.
Merits
Comprehensive Analysis
Gregory provides a thorough examination of the intersection between the New Deal and crime control, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges conventional historiography.
Interdisciplinary Approach
The book integrates legal, historical, and political analysis, making it a valuable resource for scholars across multiple disciplines.
Demerits
Narrow Focus
While the book offers a detailed analysis of the war on crime, it may overlook other significant aspects of the New Deal era, such as labor rights and social welfare programs.
Controversial Thesis
Gregory's argument that the war on crime was central to the New Deal state may be contentious and could be seen as an overreach by some scholars.
Expert Commentary
Anthony Gregory's 'New Deal Law and Order' offers a provocative and well-researched critique of the traditional narrative surrounding the New Deal era. By highlighting the war on crime as a pivotal development, Gregory challenges scholars to reconsider the broader implications of the New Deal state. The book's interdisciplinary approach is particularly noteworthy, as it bridges the gap between legal, historical, and political analysis. However, the narrow focus on crime control may limit the book's scope, and some scholars may find Gregory's thesis controversial. Despite these limitations, the book makes a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about the New Deal's legacy and its impact on the modern liberal state. The insights provided by Gregory are particularly relevant in the current political climate, where discussions about criminal justice reform and the role of the federal government are at the forefront of public discourse.
Recommendations
- ✓ Scholars should engage with Gregory's thesis critically, considering both its strengths and limitations.
- ✓ Future research should explore the broader implications of the New Deal state, including its impact on social welfare programs and labor rights, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the era.
