Policing the Open Road: How Cars Transformed American Freedom

Name: Policing the Open Road: How Cars Transformed American Freedom
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Rating: 4.1 (50 reviews)

4.1 of 5 Stars: Legal History - Policing the Open Road: How Cars Transformed American Freedom

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Book Synopsis: A Smithsonian Best History Book of the YearWinner of the Littleton-Griswold PrizeWinner of the Ralph Waldo Emerson AwardWinner of the Order of the Coif AwardWinner of the Sidney M. Edelstein PrizeWinner of the David J. Langum Sr. Prize in American Legal HistoryWinner of the Berkshire Conference of Women Historians Book Prize

“From traffic stops to parking tickets, Seo traces the history of cars alongside the history of crime and discovers that the two are inextricably linked.”―Smithsonian

When Americans think of freedom, they often picture the open road. Yet nowhere are we more likely to encounter the long arm of the law than in our cars. Sarah Seo reveals how the rise of the automobile led us to accept—and expect—pervasive police power, a radical transformation with far-reaching consequences.

Before the twentieth century, most Americans rarely came into contact with police officers. But in a society dependent on cars, everyone—law-breaking and law-abiding alike—is subject to discretionary policing. Seo challenges prevailing interpretations of the Warren Court's due process revolution and argues that the Supreme Court's efforts to protect Americans did more to accommodate than limit police intervention. Policing the Open Road shows how the new procedures sanctioned discrimination by officers, and ultimately undermined the nation's commitment to equal protection before the law.

“With insights ranging from the joy of the open road to the indignities—and worse—of 'driving while black,' Sarah Seo makes the case that the 'law of the car' has eroded our rights to privacy and equal justice…Absorbing and so essential.”―Paul Butler, author of Chokehold

“A fascinating examination of how the automobile reconfigured American life, not just in terms of suburbanization and infrastructure but with regard to deeply ingrained notions of freedom and personal identity.”―Hua Hsu, New Yorker

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Policing the Open Road: How Cars Transformed American Freedom is a groundbreaking book that explores the complex intersection between cars and law enforcement. Written by Sarah Seo, this book has received numerous accolades, including being named a Smithsonian Best History Book of the Year and winning prestigious awards such as the Ralph Waldo Emerson Award and the Order of the Coif Award.

In this captivating read, Seo delves deep into the history of cars and crime, revealing their inextricable connection. She highlights how the rise of automobiles has ushered in a new era of pervasive police power, transforming our society and impacting us all. With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Seo challenges conventional notions of law enforcement and sheds light on the consequences of this radical transformation.

Before the advent of cars, encounters with police officers were rare for most Americans. However, the automobile revolutionized the way we interact with law enforcement. In a society heavily reliant on cars, everyone, regardless of whether they are law-abiding citizens or not, becomes subject to discretionary policing. Seo argues that the Supreme Court's attempts to protect American citizens actually ended up accommodating and enabling police intervention, rather than limiting it.

What makes Policing the Open Road truly remarkable is its examination of the impact on civil rights and equal protection before the law. By sanctioning new law enforcement procedures, discrimination became deeply ingrained within the system. Seo compellingly shows how our rights to privacy and equal justice have been eroded as a result of this 'law of the car.'

Don't miss out on this insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the history, politics, and social implications of cars and law enforcement. Whether you're interested in American history, legal issues, or the impact of technology on society, Policing the Open Road is an absorbing and essential read.

Click here to get your copy today and join the conversation surrounding this groundbreaking book.

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