Police State: How America's Cops Get Away with Murder

Police State examines cases of police misconduct, corruption and violence across the United States through the lens of criminal defense attorney Gerry Spence's decades of experience. The book presents detailed accounts of police brutality cases Spence has worked on throughout his career, along with analysis of systemic issues in American law enforcement. Spence walks readers through the legal and procedural aspects of holding police accountable, explaining the barriers that often prevent justice from being served. He outlines specific incidents where police have abused their authority or used excessive force, providing context about departmental policies, training gaps, and institutional cultures that enable misconduct. The book incorporates interviews with victims, fellow attorneys, police officers, and other key figures in various cases to build a comprehensive picture of law enforcement accountability in America. Spence's firsthand perspective as a trial lawyer who has gone up against police departments adds practical insights about how these cases play out in court. Through these collected cases and observations, the book raises fundamental questions about power, justice and the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The work challenges readers to consider reforms needed to address what Spence views as systemic failures in police oversight and accountability.

Readers emphasize the book's detailed documentation of police misconduct cases and Spence's firsthand experience defending clients against law enforcement. Many note the book reveals systemic issues in policing and the justice system rather than just focusing on isolated incidents. Positives: - Clear explanations of legal concepts and court proceedings - Personal accounts from Spence's career add credibility - Well-researched with extensive citations - Actionable suggestions for reform Negatives: - Some readers found the tone too angry and biased - Several mention the writing becomes repetitive - Critics say it overlooks positive aspects of law enforcement - A few note dated examples (pre-2015) Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (389 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (156 reviews) "Eye-opening but one-sided" appears frequently in reviews. Multiple readers praised the detailed case studies but wanted more balanced perspective. One common review note: "Important topic but the author's anger sometimes overshadows the message."

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Documents the mass incarceration system's impact on Black Americans through policing, prosecution, and prison practices.

Rise of the Warrior Cop by Radley Balko Traces the militarization of American police forces from the 1960s to present day through policy changes and equipment acquisition.

Above the Law by Matt Taibbi Examines cases of police misconduct across the United States and the systematic failures to hold officers accountable.

Invisible No More by Andrea J. Ritchie Chronicles police violence against women of color through case studies and legal analysis.

The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale Analyzes the fundamental role of police in society and presents alternatives to current law enforcement structures.

🔹 Gerry Spence, the author, never lost a criminal case in his 50+ year career as a trial lawyer and is famous for winning the Karen Silkwood case against a major nuclear facility. 🔹 The book examines several high-profile cases of police misconduct, including the Ruby Ridge incident, where Spence successfully defended Randy Weaver against federal charges. 🔹 Through his analysis of numerous cases, Spence reveals that police departments in the U.S. killed an average of 928 people per year between 2008-2011, while only 48 officers were charged with murder during that period. 🔹 Spence founded the Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming, which trains attorneys to better represent ordinary citizens against powerful institutions, including cases of police misconduct. 🔹 Despite being known as a champion of individual rights against government overreach, Spence comes from a law enforcement family - his father was a police officer and chemistry professor who investigated crimes.