Privilege and Punishment: How Race and Class Matter in Criminal Court

Privilege and Punishment is a groundbreaking book that exposes the deep-seated inequalities within the criminal justice system.

Through extensive fieldwork and interviews, Matthew Clair uncovers how racial and class inequalities are embedded in the attorney-client relationship, resulting in unequal treatment of defendants in court.

The book provides a devastating portrait of inequality and injustice, highlighting how privileged defendants are more likely to trust their defense attorneys and delegate authority, while disadvantaged defendants are silenced, coerced, and punished.

This eye-opening work draws attention to the urgent need for reforms to correct these injustices and ensure true justice for all.