Crime and Punishment in America
The story of criminal justice in America from the colonial era to today, and how Americans have wrestled with the problem of crime, the purpose of punishment and the meaning of justice for more than 250 years.
What critics are saying
Verdicts use the same scale as your list: highly recommended through avoid — plus optional scores and blurbs.
Nobody on Critic, Sir! has logged a verdict for this title yet. The silence is either respectful or suspicious.
Sign in and use Add to My List below to share your own verdict.
Trailer
Official Trailer
Cast
Seasons
- Ep 1
1.A House of Repentance (Beginnings to 1880)
16-11-2026Europeans bring their harsh laws to America, but some colonists, inspired by the Enlightenment, argue that brutal public punishments make "bad men worse" and look to a new way to m...
- Ep 2
2.The Criminal Type (1880-1929)
17-11-2026A new generation of Progressives exposes the cruelty, corruption, and prejudice in the criminal justice system and sets about trying to improve prisons, reform police and make the...
- Ep 3
3.Public Enemies (1929-1969)
18-11-2026The exploits of gangsters like Al Capone and outlaws like John Dillinger fill the headlines, which makes them folk heroes in their own time and the FBI launches a public relations...
- Ep 4
4.Tough on Crime (1970-Onward)
19-11-2026Cities are struck with poverty, drug addiction and violent crime, and communities rally behind politicians who promote harsher laws and punishments.
Watching Lists
to create and edit public lists.
Loading lists…
Purchase & Discovery
Find this title on Amazon
Digital
Prime Video & digitalAmazon mixes rent, buy, and Prime in one place — one search covers the usual options.
Physical edition
4K Blu-ray & physical releasesSearch on AmazonOfficial merchandise
Official-style merch searchApparel, collectibles, and moreAs an Amazon Associate, Critic, Sir! earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure