The National Sheriffs Association Could Police Its Members, But It Does Not
Restoring the public’s trust in law enforcement requires that organizations like the nation’s largest sheriffs’ association promote, not hamper, democracy.
Jessica Pishko
Jessica Pishko is an independent journalist and lawyer who, for the last decade, has focused on the criminal justice system and how law enforcement intersects with political power. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Politico, the Nation and more. She is writing a book about the political power of sheriffs to be published by Dutton. Prior to writing, Pishko practiced law where she specialized in securities fraud and did pro bono work defending death penalty clients and victims of domestic abuse. Pishko graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and received an M.F.A. from Columbia University. She is the author of The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy. As a contributor to Democracy Docket, Pishko writes about the criminalization of elections and how sheriffs in particular have become a growing threat to democracy.
Why the Sheriff’s Office Is an All-White Boys Club
Maybe the sheriff’s office should be relegated to history books. There, it could remain a relic and the rest of society can move on.
These Sheriffs Are Refusing To Enforce State Law
Allowing sheriffs to dictate the implementation of laws — like we saw in Illinois and New Mexico — subverts the democratic will of the people.
Sheriffs Who Back the “Great Replacement” as the New “Big Lie”
Now, failing to prove voter fraud, constitutional sheriffs argue an alternative — and equally false — theory.
Sheriffs Undermine Democracy Through Nullification
When the gun lobby loses to democratic will, sheriffs take up the mantle by making a disreputable and debunked legalistic argument.
Red States Wage War on Blue Cities
By enacting bills aimed at local prosecutors, these states are stripping communities of their right to self-determination.
An Arizona Sheriff, His Helicopter and a U.S. Senate Run
It is quintessentially American to participate in the democratic process without threat of violence from law enforcement or vigilantes.
Crystal Mason’s Prosecutors Want an Election Crime Task Force
In February of this year, the newly elected top executive for Tarrant County, Texas — which includes Fort Worth — Tim O’Hare announced the creation of an “election task force.”
With the “Big Lie,” Sheriffs Are Criminalizing Our Elections
Even though sheriffs are prohibited from interfering in elections, there is a long and terrible history of sheriffs preventing Black citizens from voting.
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