THE PRESENT VOLUME OF CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES IS FIRST REVIEWED. EXISTING PROBLEMS WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE THEN DISCUSSED, INCLUDING PUBLIC DISRESPECT, INJUSTICE, AND THE FAILURE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM. THE AUTHOR EXPLORES ASPECTS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY WHICH MAY HAVE GIVEN RISE TO THE CURRENT CRIME PROBLEM. AMONG THESE ARE THE WIDE CULTURAL VARIATIONS IN THE POPULATION, THE AMERICAN ECONOMIC SYSTEM, RACIAL PREJUDICES, OVERCROWDING, AND AMERICAN VALUES WHICH STRESS INDIVIDUALISM AND AGGRESSIVENESS. FINALLY, SEVERAL PROPOSALS FOR DEALING WITH CRIME ARE OFFERED. THESE INCLUDE STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY TIES, IMPROVING SERVICES TO THE CRIME VICTIM, PROVIDING SWIFT AND EQUAL JUSTICE, DIVERSION OF JUVENILES, CORRECTIONAL REFORM, AND INCREASED INVOLVEMENT OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS. EACH SECTION OF THIS TEXT IS FOLLOWED BY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING.