Crime and Punishment in America

Miniseries

2026 · 4 episodes

Episodes

1. 1

   1. A House of Repentance (Beginnings to 1880)

   Airs 16 Nov 2026

   Europeans bring their harsh laws to America, but some colonists, inspired by the Enlightenment, argue that brutal public punishments make "bad men worse" and look to a new way to mete out justice - the penitentiary.

2. 2

   2. The Criminal Type (1880-1929)

   Airs 17 Nov 2026

   A new generation of Progressives exposes the cruelty, corruption, and prejudice in the criminal justice system and sets about trying to improve prisons, reform police and make the nation fairer and more just.

3. 3

   3. Public Enemies (1929-1969)

   Airs 18 Nov 2026

   The exploits of gangsters like Al Capone and outlaws like John Dillinger fill the headlines, which makes them folk heroes in their own time and the FBI launches a public relations push to build support for its "war on crime."

4. 4

   4. Tough on Crime (1970-Onward)

   Airs 19 Nov 2026

   Cities are struck with poverty, drug addiction and violent crime, and communities rally behind politicians who promote harsher laws and punishments.