Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial

Indictment is a book that puts the Canadian criminal justice system on trial and proposes a bold new vision of transformative justice. It is based on first-hand interviews with survivors, people who have committed offenses, and others on the front lines and draws on the expertise of a lawyer, former top criminal justice advisor to the prime minister, and law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada. The book critiques the system from a trauma-informed perspective and shares insights from marginalized people, showing that a better way is possible.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

The criminal justice system is facing an unprecedented crisis,with rising crime rates,overcrowding in prisons,and a lack of trust in the system among the public. Indictment offers a bold new vision of transformative justice that aims to address these issues and create a more just and equitable society. The book proposes a range of solutions,including decriminalizing drugs,implementing harm reduction strategies,reforming the bail system,and investing in community-based programs that support victims of crime and marginalized communities. Perrin also calls for a shift in mindset,from one of punishment and retribution to one of healing and rehabilitation. By focusing on the root causes of crime and addressing the trauma that often leads to offending,the criminal justice system can become a force for good in our society.
Indictment is a powerful and thought-provoking book that puts the Canadian criminal justice system on trial and proposes a bold new vision of transformative justice. Based on first-hand interviews with survivors, people who have committed offences, and others on the frontlines, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the system's flaws and proposes solutions to address them.

The criminal justice system is facing an unprecedented crisis, with rising crime rates, overcrowding in prisons, and a lack of trust in the system among the public. Indictment offers a bold new vision of transformative justice that aims to address these issues and create a more just and equitable society.

The book proposes a range of solutions, including decriminalizing drugs, implementing harm reduction strategies, reforming the bail system, and investing in community-based programs that support victims of crime and marginalized communities.

One of the key themes of the book is the need to shift the mindset of the criminal justice system from one of punishment and retribution to one of healing and rehabilitation. By focusing on the root people who commit offences and addressing the trauma that often leads to offending, the system can become a force for good in our society.

Another important theme of the book is the need to address the systemic racism and discrimination that exists in the criminal justice system. Black Canadians, Indigenous people, and people with substance use and mental health disorders are disproportionately represented in the system and are often subjected to harsher sentences and treatment. Indictment calls for a more equitable and just system that recognizes the unique challenges faced by these groups and provides them with the support and resources they need to thrive.

The book also highlights the importance of community-based programs and initiatives that support victims of crime and marginalized communities. By investing in these programs, the system can build trust and legitimacy among the public and create a safer and more supportive environment for all.

In conclusion, Indictment is a must-read for anyone interested in criminal justice reform in Canada. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the system's flaws and proposes solutions that are grounded in evidence-based research and a commitment to social justice. By focusing on the needs of survivors, people who have committed offences, and marginalized communities, the book shows that a better way is possible.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 222 x 146 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487506278