| Chapter : | Introduction |
|
|
This is a limited free preview of this book. Please buy full access.
systemic nature: corruption that is technically legal, yet undermines the democratic process. And, like Michael Johnston, Thurber wonders if our efforts at reform are misplaced.
Christopher Shortell looks at those times when justice is not blind—when there is corruption in the system of justice. Shortell places court corruption in the broader context of the role the court plays in our larger system of justice. After all, we often turn to the courts to resolve questions of fairness, justice, and law. What happens when the court or judge is corrupt?
Thomas A. Hollihan focuses on two forms of political corruption as they relate to campaigning for office: influence peddling and voter suppression. The former tends to be an individual's problem; the latter a systemic issue.
Matthew Streb and April Clark examine the impact of corruption on political legitimacy. They look at how citizens view levels of corruption in government and what impact such attitudes have on political attitudes and behavior.
In her chapter, “Money for Nothing?” Victoria Farrar-Myers, noting that a “trust-based relationship” is essential for democratic legitimacy, looks at political money and the real as well as perceived problems it poses for democracy. She wonders if reform efforts deal more with appearance than reality.
The essays in this book began as part of a conference sponsored by the Institute for Leadership Studies at Loyola Marymount University. Each year the Institute sponsors a conference on the broad theme of “The Dilemmas of Democracy.” In 2009 the theme of the conference was “Political Corruption in America.” I wish to thank Loyola Marymount University for sponsoring this event, and also to thank Cristina Fard, Mercedes Adams, Heather Brandi-Maurer, and David Azevedo for their hard work on the conference and help on this book.