The Force of Law

As citizens of liberal democratic countries, we think that we live under the rule of law. Governments make the rules, we live by them, and the police enforce them. The Force of Law critically examines these assumptions. Criminologist Mariana Valverde makes clear that while the law is usually regarded as the civilized, nonviolent way to deal with harms and conflicts, violence is integral to it. Police are authorized to handcuff, tase, and even kill people; courts of law confine people to prison and, in some countries, the state can put people to death. The Force of Law stimulates readers to become more informed about law and law enforcement and more active in efforts to make policing accountable to the public.