Exploring the major elements of southern crime and punishment at a time that saw the formation of the fundamental patterns of class and race, Ayers studies the inner workings of the police, prison, and judicial systems, and the nature of crime.

"A pioneering and stimulating examination of a neglected aspect of southern history and a significant addition to the historiography of crime and punishment in America."--American Historical Review "A major study that quite clearly is better than anything yet written on the subject."--The Journal of American History "A distinguished contribution to the venerable debate over the relationship between southerners and the laws."--Reviews in American History "An excellent and valuable study."--The Journal of Southern History "This book offers a number of compelling and even original theories....It is also exceptionally well written."--Louisiana History "An elegantly designed study, original and persuasive."--Kirkus Reviews "A pioneering and stimulating examination of a neglected aspect of southern history and a significant addition to the historiography of crime and punishment in America."--American Historical Review "A major study that quite clearly is better than anything yet written on the subject."--The Journal of American History "A distinguished contribution to the venerable debate over the relationship between southerners and the laws."--Reviews in American History "An excellent and valuable study."--The Journal of Southern History "This book offers a number of compelling and even original theories....It is also exceptionally well written."--Louisiana History "An elegantly designed study, original and persuasive."--Kirkus Reviews