Discussion (1L): Reform, Defund, or Reimagine? The Problem of Policing

The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in May 2020, and the nationwide wave of protests that followed, have brought new attention to the nature of policing in the United States and its connection with racial inequality. For many critics of the police, reform is inadequate response; instead the police should be defunded or even abolished. This reading group will address current controversies surrounding law enforcement in the United States, in particular the issue of police killings of African Americans and other people of color. We will also discuss the meaning of calls to defund the police, how they differ from call past efforts at reform, and what lessons, if any, can be drawn from those past efforts. This discussion seminar will meet four times during the Fall quarter. Meeting dates and times to be arranged by instructor. Elements used in grading: Attendance and class participation.