The book's first section develops a sociological basis for the study of crime, which involves examining how a given social order defines crime and how crime and other socially harmful acts occur as individuals attempt to adapt to the social experiences created by that order. The next section analyzes the relationship between forms of social organization and systems of social control, with particular reference to the evolution of state law in England and America. The third section analyzes America's modern institutions of law and justice: types of law, police, courts, and corrections. The concluding section examines patterns of crime and social injury in America by distinguishing between crimes typical of the powerless and those typical of the powerful. The author argues that Americans live in fear of being victimized by the crimes of the powerless even while they are unknowingly being more seriously victimized by the crimes of the powerful. He reasons that significant improvement in America's growing problem will require fundamental changes in America's social structure and value system. Chapter notes and a subject index are provided.