monicareadsthrough's review against another edition
4.0
While I didn’t necessarily “enjoy” this book (it really is quite infuriating), I understand its importance. Very interesting look into the many ways police are protected from experiencing true justice after they’ve violated a person’s rights - or taken their life. Many things are stacked against the public who wish to hold the police accountable.
There is a lot of constitutional law, but Schwartz breaks it down well for the ones who are not fluent in legalese. Overall, a good book that would make anyone angry.
There is a lot of constitutional law, but Schwartz breaks it down well for the ones who are not fluent in legalese. Overall, a good book that would make anyone angry.
hannah_reads_sometimes's review against another edition
4.0
A depressing and frustrating read due to the content, but also a must read if you want to understand some of how law enforcement got to where it is. A lot of legal information, so much so that this is on the reread list already. A lot to take in during a relatively short read.
booktrovertjen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
jg12389's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
5.0
This is a legal deep dive into how exactly laws, the courts, and the legal system as a whole have protected police officers and departments from accountability in police misconduct cases. I'm a huge nerd when it comes to case law and other legal minutiae. I know that not everyone is into that stuff but the author makes it understandable and I wish this was required reading because after reading this book and reading about all of the incidents of egregious misconduct on citizens at the hands of the police that the author uses to exemplify the way police are shielded, I don't see how anyone could look at our police and our legal system the same after reading this book. I highly highly recommend. You will feel enraged about the injustices people (especially Black and brown people) face every day, but people need to know the reality so that we can advocate for change.
jrobles76's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great book to read to understand why it is so hard to enact police reform. A heartbreaking history of the cases that led us to where we are and why it is so important to make judicial appointments. The author tries to offer hope, but I worry "better" won't happen in my lifetime.
ngilbert's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
5.0
This book is a well written, very well researched look at the web of protections of the police at the expense (both figurative and literal) of the people. Including qualified immunity, but going above and beyond that one facet.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Violence, Gun violence, and Racism
caring19's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
obsessiveviewer's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Deep and informative look at the policies and institutions that shield police from accountability in cases where they infringe upon citizens' constitutional rights. Very well researched and argued.