This is the first comprehensive account of President Herbert Hoover's policies to reform federal criminal justice administration. Beginning with the first words in his inaugural address, Hoover informed the public that a high priority of his administration would be to insist upon reorganization, qualitative improvement, new efficiencies, and formal study of justice system organizations in the federal system. Calder examines Hoover's background and affinity for justice system reform, the campaign trail and crime control issues of 1928 and 1929, intellectual and practitioner resources, the Wickersham Commission, and the reforms of the federal law enforcement, court, and prison systems.

Drawing upon extensive primary source collections, this book provides a thorough examination of the Hoover initiatives and assesses their impact on later federal policy. It will be of considerable interest to political scientists, social historians, and those involved in criminal justice programs.