Carrie Mae Weems

Susan Cahan

Pamela R. Metzger

"The Louisiana Project," a new work by the noted artist Carrie Mae Weems, was commissioned as part of the bicentennial celebrations surrounding the commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase. Weems has a distinguished career as a photographer interested in history and social critique, and her work frequently addresses questions of race, class, and gender. "The Louisiana Project" incorporates still photography, narrative, and video projection as part of an examination of the complex history of New Orleans and the "commingling culture" that has resulted. Photographs use the symbolism of the mirror as a means of reflection on a particular region and its history, on attitudes about blackness, as well as sexual identity. In another group of images Weems places herself in a variety of locations--plantations, railroad tracks, and chemical plants--as a witness to the experience of African Americans. Final images consider a triad of relationships between white men, white women, and women of color portrayedas a shadow play. Susan Cahan places "The Louisiana Project" within the framework of Weems's career, exploring the artist's methods and objectives. Pamela Metzger gives insight into the legal paradoxes and obsessions in the construction of racial identity in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Project

Jon B. Gould

"America's criminal justice system requires reform, but those efforts too often rest on anecdotes or assumptions. Drawing on the contributions of America's top justice researchers, this compendium provides an evidence-based blueprint to guide the movement toward criminal justice reform"--

An Evidence-Based Agenda for Reform

Transforming Criminal Justice

An evidence-based roadmap for how the American criminal justice system can be reformed This important volume brings together today's leading criminal justice scholars and practitioners to offer a roadmap for those who want to change the face of the American criminal justice system. This collection of essays addresses thirteen significant issues in justice reform, starting from a suspect’s first interaction with the police and continuing to gun violence, prosecutorial innovation, sentencing reform, eliminating bail, recidivism and re-entry, collateral consequences of crime, and eliminating false convictions. A common theme emerges in this volume: the American criminal justice system is riddled with weaknesses that cause harm and require greater accountability. Each chapter is both educational and prescriptive, helping readers to understand the problems that plague the criminal justice system, how those problems can be addressed, and who should take responsibility for them. Part scholarly research, part account of the justice system’s workings and failings, and part agenda for action, Transforming Criminal Justice aims to educate and move readers to effect change.

Pamela R. Metzger

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