Jonathan Simon Livres

Mass incarceration in the United States has led to over 2.5 million individuals being confined in facilities that far exceed their intended capacity. The resulting prison conditions are not only overcrowded but also degrading, heavily relying on violent gang dynamics, frequent lockdowns, and extreme segregation methods to manage inmate populations. This situation highlights the failures of current penal policies, revealing them to be both financially burdensome and ineffective in achieving rehabilitation or safety.

Exploring the complex connections between architecture and justice, this book features insights from experts in criminology, international law, philosophy, and architectural history. Through diverse case studies, it reveals how architectural design influences the experience of justice for individuals and communities. The multi-disciplinary approach encourages discussions on the ceremonial, legal, administrative, and penal dimensions of justice, examining how physical spaces shape these critical societal functions.

The book delves into the historical significance of the diphtheria serum, first introduced in 1894, examining its production and societal impact in France. Through a philosophical lens, it explores the serum as a technological object, focusing on its manufacture from horses' blood and the subsequent legal and political frameworks that shaped its use. Jonathan Simon argues that understanding the serum involves not just its technical aspects but also its social and legal dimensions, highlighting its unique role in French medical history.