Above the Law: How "Qualified Immunity" Protects Violent Police

Qualified Immunity (QI) is a legal principle that protects police brutality from being punished and denies victims their constitutional rights. It has been interpreted so broadly that police are shielded from accountability in all but the rarest of circumstances. Above the Law recounts 12 cases in which justice was denied due to QI, creating a concise and compelling indictment of an outrageously unjust legal principle that must be changed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: OR Books

A police officer's actions have once again sparked widespread outrage and disbelief, as they were caught on video killing a twelve-year-old boy. Despite the undeniable evidence of the officer's wrongdoing, he managed to escape accountability, leaving the victim's family and community in shock and disbelief. This tragic incident is just one example of a recurring pattern where police officers engage in excessive force and violate the rights of individuals, often with impunity.

Qualified Immunity (QI) is a legal principle that has become a shield for police officers, allowing them to escape punishment for their misconduct. Originally intended to protect officers from being sued over good faith mistakes, courts have interpreted QI so broadly that police are shielded from accountability in almost all cases. This has led to a culture of impunity where officers can engage in abusive behavior without fear of consequences.

The cases highlighted by Above the Law are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of QI on the pursuit of justice. In each of these cases, the officers involved were deemed to have engaged in unconstitutional behavior, yet they were able to escape prosecution due to QI. The victims and their families have been left without recourse, while the officers continue to patrol the streets, free to repeat their abusive actions.

This issue cannot be ignored any longer. The widespread abuse of power by police officers has become a national crisis, and it is essential that we take steps to address it. The first step is to reform the interpretation of QI and ensure that officers are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Furthermore, we need to invest in training and education for police officers to help them understand the importance of de-escalation, use-of-force principles, and the rights of individuals. This will not only help to prevent unnecessary violence but also build trust between the police and the communities they serve.

Additionally, we must hold police departments accountable for their actions and ensure that they are held responsible for any misconduct or negligence that occurs. This can be achieved through increased oversight, transparency, and the establishment of independent civilian review boards to investigate complaints of police misconduct.

It is time for us to demand change and hold our leaders accountable for the actions of their police departments. We cannot allow the pursuit of justice to be hindered by the flawed legal principle of Qualified Immunity. It is time to rewrite the rules and ensure that everyone is held to the same standard of accountability, regardless of their position or status.

In conclusion, the killing of a twelve-year-old boy by a police officer, as well as the cases highlighted by Above the Law, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in the criminal justice system. Qualified Immunity must be repealed, and police officers must be held accountable for their actions. We must work together to create a safer and more just society for all.

Weight: 146g
Dimension: 127 x 176 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682192573