In The Rich Get Richer and the Poor Get Prison, Jeffrey Reiman and Paul Leighton critically examine the U.S. criminal justice system, arguing that it disproportionately targets the poor while allowing the affluent to evade accountability. The authors contend that systemic biases result in harsher penalties for economically disadvantaged individuals, while white-collar crimes often receive lenient treatment. They explore how societal structures perpetuate inequality, leading to a cycle where the wealthy continue to amass wealth, and the poor face incarceration. This analysis challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of a justice system that may not serve all citizens equitably.