Introduction, 4

Chapter 1: The Problem of Violence
Introduction, 6
America’s Violent Past, 6
The Gang Question, 11
xxxProfile: Lucky Luciano, 13
Violence Today, 15
xxxCivil Conversation: The Causes of Violence, 18
xxxProfile: Viola McClain, 21
The Risks and Causes of Violence, 23

Chapter 2: Law and Public Policy
Introduction, 28
Government’s Role in Fighting Violent Crime, 28
xxxA Matter of Policy, 30
Protecting Individual Freedoms, 32
Getting Tough on Violent Crime, 36 (Sample Lesson)
xxxCivil Conversation: Gary Gilmore and Capital Punishment, 38
xxxProfile: Mike Reynolds and the California Three Strikes Initiative, 39
Controlling Crime Through Prevention, 41
xxxProfile: Marc Klaas: Public Policy Advocate, 42
xxxCommunity Policing, 45
xxxNew Advocates for Reform, 46
The Gun Debate, 48
xxxSeven Arguments For and Against Handgun Control, 49
xxxCivil Conversation: Carrying Concealed Weapons, 51
xxxProfile: Policy Advocates: Sarah and James Brady, 52
Curfews and Local Government: Protection, Punishment, or Politics?, 53
School Violence, 56

Chapter 3: Taking Action Against Violence
Introduction, 60
Playing It Smart: The Role of the Individual, 60
xxxProfile: Charles Carson, Community Activist, 62
Group Action: Creating Alternatives to Violence, 65
Group Action: Making a Difference, 69


Index, 72