Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve

About the Author

Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve is a sociologist and author whose work illuminates the intersections of race, justice, and power in contemporary America. With a PhD from the University of Chicago, she has dedicated her career to exposing systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system, drawing on extensive ethnographic research and personal insights. Her acclaimed book, Crook County: Racism and Injustice in America's Largest Criminal Court, offers a gripping, firsthand account of the Cook County Courthouse in Chicago, revealing how racial biases perpetuate injustice on a massive scale. Van Cleve's writing bridges academic rigor with narrative accessibility, making complex social issues resonate with a broad audience. She currently teaches at DePaul University, where she continues to advocate for reform and equity in legal institutions.