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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.

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.

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."

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