From animal rights to anti-abortion, from tax resistance to anti-poverty, activists from across the political
spectrum often deliberately break the law to further their causes. While not behaviors common to hardened or self-seeking
criminals, the staging of civil disobedience, non-violent resistance, and direct action can nevertheless trigger
a harsh response from law enforcement, with those arrested risking jail time and criminal records. Crimes of Dissent
features the voices of these activists, presenting a fascinating insider�s look at the motivations, costs and consequences
of deliberately violating the law as a strategy of social change.
Crimes of Dissent provides readers with an in-depth understanding of why activists break the law, and what happens
to them when they do. Using dynamic examples, both historic and recent, Jarret Lovell explores how seasoned protesters
are handled and treated by the criminal justice system, shedding light on the intersection between the political
and the criminal. By adopting the unique vantage of the street-level activist, Crimes of Dissent provides a fascinating
view of protest from the ground, giving voice to those who refuse to remain silent by risking punishment for their
political actions.