This book investigates the complex relationship between state power and individual or collective resistance, particularly in the context of crime and its control. Elizabeth A. Stanley, drawing on her expertise in criminology and sociology, examines how states define and respond to crime, and conversely, how individuals and groups resist state authority when they perceive it as unjust or oppressive. The work analyzes various forms of resistance, from overt protest to more subtle acts of non-compliance, and explores the theoretical frameworks used to understand these dynamics.

This work is positioned as a scholarly examination of state crime and resistance, likely appealing to academics and students in criminology, sociology, and political science. Its focus on theoretical frameworks and empirical examples suggests a rigorous approach to understanding complex social and political phenomena. The book is expected to contribute to ongoing debates about power, justice, and the legitimacy of state actions.