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The Conversation USA

How sheriffs define law and order for their counties depends a lot on their views − and most are white Republican men

  • Written by Mirya Holman, Associate Professor of Public Policy, University of Houston
imageA sheriff gestures.Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images

Many Americans will find on their November 2024 ballot a space to vote for an important office: local sheriff. While there are exceptions, sheriffs have a long history of using their power to maintain a particular, unequal balance of power in society, often along racial and class lines.

A recent...

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