Just Policing

Police discretion is valuable in non-ideal contexts,but it conflicts with the legalist view of just policing. Just Policing offers an alternative normative framework for evaluating and guiding police power,drawing on research in political philosophy and the social sciences. It critiques popular approaches to police abolitionism while defending normative limits on police power and evaluating controversial issues in order maintenance,such as the policing of vice and homelessness,democratic control over policing,community policing initiatives,police collaborations,and alternatives like mental health response teams.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Policing is a contentious and philosophically divisive topic that has been a source of ongoing conflict throughout history. While the need for policing is often perceived as necessary to address the injustices prevalent in our world, the police themselves have often been accused of perpetuating these injustices. However, it is important to note that this is not always the result of intentional or negligent wrongdoing on the part of the police. Sometimes, it is an inevitable consequence of the interactions between the police and other social systems. This raises a crucial question: how should the police respond to the injustices inherent in the system?

To address this question, Jake Monaghan presents the concept of "just policing" in his book. Monaghan argues that police discretion is not only inevitable but also valuable in non-ideal contexts. This contradicts the prevailing legalist view of just policing, which posits that justice can be achieved through the faithful enforcement of the criminal code. However, the criminal code provides a limited framework for policing, making it impossible to achieve full enforcement, which is not desirable. As a result, the police need an alternative normative framework to evaluate and guide their exercise of power.

Just Policing draws on research from political philosophy and the social sciences to engage with a range of current controversies surrounding the police. It critiques popular approaches to police abolitionism while defending the need for normative limits on police power. The book offers a defense of police discretion against common objections and evaluates controversial issues related to police maintenance, such as the policing of vice and homelessness, democratic control over policing, community policing initiatives, police collaborations, and alternatives like mental health response teams. Additionally, it explores possibilities for structural reform to address the systemic issues contributing to police misconduct and inequality.

In conclusion, policing is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration and analysis. While the police play a crucial role in maintaining order and protecting public safety, they must also be accountable for their actions and be held responsible for any injustices they may perpetuate. The concept of just policing offers a valuable framework for addressing these challenges and promoting a more equitable and just society.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 149 x 218 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197610725