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Mississippi College Law Review

Publication Date

Spring 1-1-2025

Abstract

This article critically examines the implications of former FBI Director James Comey’s assertions regarding the rise in violent crime and the phenomenon known as “The Ferguson Effect,” which posits that law enforcement officers are increasingly hesitant to engage in proactive policing due to fear of public backlash and viral scrutiny. Comey’s comments, made in a 2015 speech, sparked significant debate about the psychological impact of heightened scrutiny on police behavior and the potential consequences for public safety.

Through a multi-part analysis, the article first traces the historical development of policing in ancient civilizations and its evolution in the United States and the United Kingdom. It then addresses contentious legal doctrines governing police encounters, which have fueled public protests and discourse. The article further explores narratives surrounding race and policing, particularly the ramifications of abolitionist movements on black accountability and victimization.

In its final section, the article argues that calls for abolition are rooted in incomplete analyses and distortions of fact. It contends that such movements not only undermine the rule of law but also reflect a broader political agenda, drawing on Marxist theories of wealth redistribution rather than solely addressing issues of police violence and systemic racism. Ultimately, the article asserts the necessity of law enforcement in maintaining a civil, just, and orderly society, challenging the prevailing abolitionist discourse.

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