The increasing privatization of public services raises critical questions about profit motives, discrimination, and democratic values. Renowned legal scholar Martha Minow examines the shift of responsibilities from government to private companies, nonprofit agencies, and religious groups in areas like education, criminal justice, and welfare. While acknowledging potential benefits such as market efficiency and the dedicated efforts of religious organizations, Minow critically analyzes the inherent risks. She explores how to safeguard fundamental public principles like due process, freedom from discrimination, and democratic participation in this evolving landscape.

This book is regarded as a significant contribution to the discourse on privatization and its implications for public values. Legal scholars and policy analysts have noted Minow's nuanced approach, which balances the acknowledgment of potential benefits with a rigorous examination of the inherent risks. The work is frequently cited for its clear articulation of the challenges in maintaining democratic principles and equity when public services are managed by private or religious entities. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complex trade-offs involved in outsourcing government functions.