NCJ Number
31845
Journal
Journal of Social Issues Volume: 31 Issue: 1 Dated: (WINTER 1975) Pages: 163-184
Date Published
1975
Length
22 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT MANY INSTANCES OF UNJUSTIFIABLE KILLINGS OF CITIZENS BY POLICE ARE WHITEWASHED BY THE FACETS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THAT DEAL WITH MURDERS - POLICE, CORONERS, PROSECUTORS, AND JUDGES.
Abstract
FROM A STUDY OF POLICE KILLINGS OF CITIZENS FROM 1952 TO 1969, THE AUTHOR FOUND THAT ONLY THREE OF THE TOTAL OF 1,500 CASES RESULTED IN THE IMPOSITION OF CRIMINAL PENALITIES ON THE OFFENDING OFFICER. THE REASONS FOR THIS ARE THE VAGUENESS OF LAWS REGARDING POLICE USE OF FORCE, THE POWER POLICE HAVE TO SHOOT FLEEING FELONS, AND THE VAGUENESS OF DEPARTMENTAL POLICY REGARDING THE USE OF FIREARMS. SYSTEMIC ABUSES, CONTENDS THE AUTHOR, STEM FROM THE NON-LEGALLY BINDING NATURE OF CORONER'S INQUESTS WHICH ARE OFTEN TREATED AS LEGALLY BINDING; THE RELUCTANCE OF PROSECUTORS TO PROSECUTE; AND THE COMPLICITY OF THE JUDICIARY. CASE STUDIES INCLUDE THE THREE CASES THAT WERE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED AND A SUCCESSFUL CIVIL LITIGATION.