Don’t miss the new series ‘Crime and Punishment in America’
Starting November 16 at 7 p.m., enjoy a new episode on air every day till Friday, November 20. You may also binge all four episodes of this series starting on November 16 with the PBS App.
“Crime and Punishment in America” tells the consequential story of criminal justice in America as it has never before been told, from the colonial era to today. This series explores arguments Americans have had over the problem of crime, the purpose of punishment and the meaning of justice for more than 250 years.
A House of Repentance – November 16 at 7 p.m.
With Europeans bringing their harsh laws to America, colonists get inspired by the Enlightenment. The argument leads to brutal public punishments and establishes a new way to mete out justice through the penitentiary.
The Criminal Type – November 17 at 7 p.m.
Progressives enter a new generation that exposes cruelty, corruption and prejudice in the criminal justice system. They work to improve prisons and reform the police, with the goal of making the nation more just. Please be advised this episode has content that may be disturbing to some viewers.
Public Enemies – November 18 at 7 p.m.
Headlines are filled with gangsters like Al Capone and outlaws like John Dillinger. Becoming heroes in their time, the FBI attempts to build support for the “war on crime.”
Tough on Crime – November 19 at 7 p.m.
As cities are hit with poverty, drug addiction and violent crime, the community comes to support politicians who promise harsher laws and punishments. However, what is the cost of the new system?
