Which statement best captures the objective of the Wickersham Commission?

Which statement best captures the objective of the Wickersham Commission?

• A. To reduce the size of the federal police system.
• B. To privatize large portions of law enforcement.
• C. To publish the first national study of the U.S. criminal justice system in 1931.
• D. To expand the Volstead Act.

Answer: (C)

The main idea behind the Wickersham Commission was to examine the entire U.S. criminal justice system and publish a comprehensive national study. Appointed by President Hoover, it looked at policing, courts, corrections, and the enforcement of Prohibition, and its landmark output in 1931 was the first broad national assessment of how justice was administered across the country. This work highlighted inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and the need for reform, guiding improvements in law enforcement and the administration of justice rather than pursuing shrinking police powers, privatizing enforcement, or expanding Prohibition.

The main idea behind the Wickersham Commission was to examine the entire U.S. criminal justice system and publish a comprehensive national study. Appointed by President Hoover, it looked at policing, courts, corrections, and the enforcement of Prohibition, and its landmark output in 1931 was the first broad national assessment of how justice was administered across the country. This work highlighted inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and the need for reform, guiding improvements in law enforcement and the administration of justice rather than pursuing shrinking police powers, privatizing enforcement, or expanding Prohibition.