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Gee Brooks is a young, idealistic probation officer in Maryland who wants to make a difference. She's one of the few officers who doesn't think a new case is a new burden. Gee believes most offenders have positive attributes, but she is caught in a criminal justice system that tries to catch offenders failing and then send them back to prison. Harsh punishment for offenders is the norm-the accepted culture.
A tragic event with a parolee under her supervision propels Gee to confront both the system and the emotional scars buried within her. Enraged by the external tragedy, she erupts into an abrasive public confrontation with a powerful state parole commissioner. Gee and her officer friends-Huggie, Pepe, and Hattie-known as the Cuatro Amigos, spontaneously forge an unstoppable grassroots uprising. The humanistic revolution, as it's sarcastically referred to by the press, is on. The Cuatro Amigos hope to survive the punishment that managers and state officials have planned for them long enough to gain the support of the community.
A story of friendship, healing, and leaning into conflict, Justice...Is Just Us demonstrates the power of support in changing behavior-from the mighty to the meek.
hanna_o
Posted May 4, 2009
The book was extremely well written. There were more tear-jerking scenes than I can ever remember experiencing - and at times and for reasons I would have never expected to cry! I suspect this will end up on the screen - another Dead Man Walking story. I think, too, this book is as much about changing organizational culture as it is about criminal justice. I must say I was disappointed Dora Kingmaker didn't really get what she had coming to her (my boss and Dora are twins). Great novel and an easy read!
I agree with Mr. Wooten - I would rather spend my money on education instead of prisons that we don't need.
Anonymous
Posted April 20, 2009
Mr. Wooten spins an all too real story of a bureaucratic system gone amuck. Caught in a long established "tail'em, nail'em, jail'em" philosophy the parole/probation establishment's "old school" ways negatively effect all of us in both humanistic and financial terms.
This important novel shows how those willing to take risk can change an entrenched "business as usual" culture. The methodology, skills and resources used to faciltate this change can be applied to any business, or public service system.
This was an enjoyable, informative read. Certainly a must for everyone interested or employed in the criminal justice system.
From someone who works in the field of probation and community corrections...all I have to say is "finally!" This book offers a fictional view of what's wrong with addressing criminals by using the approach "lock 'em up and throw away the key!" It didn't work when it was first introduced as a way to address crime, and it's not working now. Lengthy periods of incarceration upon revocation do not "rehabilitate" the offender, nor do the long terms make our communities safer. In the meantime, states and the federal government continue to pour money into incarceration as the solution for all offenders who fail on supervision. The author does an excellent job of slowly bringing this decades-old philosophy into characters whose job it is to supervise offenders in the community. How do you stand up to a culture that is in direct conflict with your core values and beliefs? The main character, Gee Brooks can give you some guidance! Probation officers will find that finally, someone "gets us." Others who are not in the criminal justice system will be awakened to the all too familiar way of "business as usual" in the world of probation and community corrections. A must read!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Michaelhu27
Posted April 8, 2009
Being in the public domain as fuel for the media bonfires is unwanted,and worse, unnecessary. The Cuatro Amigos are public servants fighting the worst kind of double jeopardy, and having their reputations destroyed for playing by the rules. At least they don't have to fight alone as they unify all their resources to slay the bureaucratic dragon. Mr. Wooten gently exposes us to situations that may not have remedies, unless you have buckets of money, and lawyers on retainer.
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Posted July 18, 2009
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Overview
Gee Brooks is a young, idealistic probation officer in Maryland who wants to make a difference. She's one of the few officers who doesn't think a new case is a new burden. Gee believes most offenders have positive attributes, but she is caught in a criminal justice system that tries to catch offenders failing and then send them back to prison. Harsh punishment for offenders is the norm-the accepted culture.
A tragic event with a parolee under her supervision propels Gee to ...