Radley Balko

Radley Balko is an American journalist, author, and speaker known for his work on criminal justice, civil liberties, and the militarization of police forces.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Cadaver King And The Country Dentist

    A True Story of Injustice in the American South

    The book delves into the deeply flawed forensic and legal systems in Mississippi, focusing on the careers of Dr. Steven Hayne, a pathologist, and Dr. Michael West, a dentist, whose questionable practices and testimonies led to numerous wrongful convictions. Through detailed investigative journalism, it exposes how systemic failures, lack of oversight, and the pursuit of convictions over justice contributed to the incarceration of innocent individuals. The narrative highlights the broader implications of these injustices, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in forensic science and the criminal justice system to prevent such miscarriages of justice in the future.

  2. 2. Rise Of The Warrior Cop

    The Militarization of America's Police Forces

    This compelling examination delves into the transformation of American policing, tracing its evolution from community-based law enforcement to a militarized force. The narrative explores the historical, political, and social factors that have contributed to this shift, highlighting the impact of the War on Drugs and the War on Terror in fostering a culture of aggression and armament within police departments. Through a series of case studies and expert interviews, the book underscores the consequences of this change on civil liberties and community trust, urging a reevaluation of policing practices to restore balance and accountability.

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