LET JUSTICE BE DONE Crime and Politics in Early San Francisco

Hardback. The author, a retired San Francisco police deputy chief, examined the city’s criminal justice system from the 1846 American conquest to 1852. The book challenges myths of rampant violent crime during the Gold Rush, arguing that crime rates were exaggerated and the justice system was more effective than portrayed. He analyses the establishment of courts, police, and jails, offering a detailed look at crime statistics and the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1851. He suggests the vigilantes exaggerated crime to justify seizing control from established authorities. Illus. with Engravings, Appendix, Notes, Bibliog. and Index. 313pp. lge. 8vo. h/back. With tiny label to fpd o/w F. in F. protected dw. A fairly heavy book which may require additional postage if shipped overseas.