Stop And Frisk Research Paper

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Stop and Frisk: Rationalization and Deterrence The enforcement of the stop and frisk laws in New York illustrates Max Weber’s theory about the relationship between law and society because of the way they demonstrate the rationalization of law. Weber’s theory about law’s relationship to society focused on the impact of rationalization of society on laws. For individuals, this rationalization meant a methodical lifestyle and means-ends calculation in their lives in order to achieve their goals. People base their calculations on the predicted behaviors of others. For society, rationalization means that institutions are governed by formal rules and policies. When this rules and polices are enforced and enacted, Weber believes that it leads to greater…show more content…
It was a new form of policing that was meant to deter criminals from committing illegal acts like carrying guns and to minimize the number of shootings that occur out of nowhere (Mac Donald, NYT, 7/22/13). Many people support the idea that the stop and frisk policies are primarily meant to prevent gun violence, which occurs most often in areas that are mostly black and Latino neighborhoods (Cottrell, Atlantic, 1/23/13). As a form of deterrence, there has been debate over whether or not the stop and frisk laws are effective forms of deterrence. Paul Butler, a law professor at Georgetown University and a former United States Department of Justice prosecutor, mentions that he “understands the need for effective policing,” but doesn’t think that the stop and frisk policies are effective (Butler, NYT, 9/20/12). However, Weber looks at means-ends calculations to achieve an ultimate goal. The point of the stop and frisk laws are to build towards a larger goal. In today’s society, institutions are governed by formal rules and the application of those rules, or laws, lead to better efficiency in pursing the goals of the institution. The stop and frisk goals are trying to help the government lower the crime rates. In 1990, there were 2,245 murders in New York and from 2003 onwards, homicides have not reached 600 per year (Cottrell, Atlantic,…show more content…
Bratton, the New York police commissioner, is focused on police-community relations, especially about the damage done by the overuse of stop and frisk tactics. He has stated that these tactics will still be a “very basic tool” in their police department, but “will be done at all times constitutionally…respectfully…[and] compassionately” (Goldstein, 3/4/14). Mr. Bratton is committed to cooperating with the various entities, like an inspector general and a monitor, which will provide oversight for the department. The new oversight will provide “layers of additional bureaucracy focused on the department” (Goldstein, 3/4/14). They wish to improve police-community relations, especially after years of increasingly aggressive policing from the previous mayor, Michael R. Bloomberg, and his police commissioner, Raymond W.
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