Routledge Handbook on Native American Justice Issues (Routledge International Handbooks)

Native Americans are disproportionately represented as offenders in the U.S. criminal justice system. Routledge Handbook on Native American Justice Issues is an authoritative volume that provides an overview of the state of American Indigenous populations and their contact with justice concerns and the criminal justice system. The volume covers the history and origins of Indian Country in America; continuing controversies regarding treaties; unique issues surrounding tribal law enforcement; the operation of tribal courts and corrections, including the influence of Indigenous restorative justice practices; the impact of native religions and customs; youth justice issues, including educational practices and gaps; women’s justice issues; and special circumstances surrounding healthcare for Indians, including the role substance abuse plays in contributing to criminal justice problems. Bringing together contributions from leading scholars – many of them Native Americans – that explore key issues fundamental to understanding the relationships between Native peoples and contemporary criminal justice, editor Laurence Armand French draws on more than 40 years of experience with Native American individuals and groups to provide contextual material that incorporates criminology, sociology, anthropology, cultural psychology, and history to give readers a true picture of the wrongs perpetrated against Native Americans and their effects on the current operation of Native American justice. This compilation analyzes the nature of justice for Native Americans, including unique and emerging problems, theoretical issues, and policy implications. It is a valuable resource for all scholars with an interest in Native American culture and in the analysis and rectification of the criminal justice system’s disparate impact on people of color. Review The Handbook on Native American Justice Issues provides a much needed contribution to the state of Native Americans when it comes to justice and injustice in our culture. Professor French has demonstrated a long-term and productive commitment to both the history and social/judicial context of indigenous populations. He has put together a noteworthy collection of essays from contributors including Native American scholars, a collection that not only examines the impact of our justice system on Native American communities and how their "trail of tears" has continued, but also explores the nature of their potential contributions to our justice process in general including restorative justice, youth interventions and religious practices. Professor French and the scholars whose work comprise this excellent volume help us to better understand the history, current state and the opportunities for positive change in the lives of Native Americans who are an indispensable part of the American fabric. Michael Braswell Professor Emeritus East Tennessee State University "In the midst of contemporary political crosswinds facing the North American region, this masterfully written book is a breath of fresh air. It examines indigenous experiences from U.S., Canadian, and Mexican perspectives. The handbook covers themes integrating common challenges faced by the original inhabitants of these lands." Magdaleno Manzanárez, Ph.D. Vice President, Division of External Affairs Western New Mexico University About the Author Laurence Armand French has the Ph.D. in sociology/social psychology from the University of New Hampshire, Durham and the Ph.D. in educational psychology/cultural psychology from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He has worked with tribes and Indian students since 1972. He has over 300 academic publications, including 20 books, many dealing with American Indian issues. He spent a semester studying Canadian Indians during the fall semester 2010 as the Solicitor General’s Endowed Visiting Chair of Criminology and Criminal Justice at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Bruns