LS101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3 & 4: Amicus Curiae
Document Summary
Signi cant feature of law enforcement is discretionary power that of cials can exercise in speci c situations. Police must determine which complaints warrant formal action. Encourage private settlements of disputes whenever possible. Research suggests that young adults, poor citizens and minority members are more likely to be stopped by police than respectable citizens" leading to the creation of stereotypes and inaccurate re ection of actual criminals. Police discretion not to enforce law is attributed to police beliefs that: legislative body does not desire enforcement. Interest group thesis states that laws are created because of special interest of certain groups in the population. Interaction between interest groups and law makers varies to an extent based on the government branch. To in uence legislation a group must be economically powerful or able to mobilize a large number of votes. Importance of wealth in accessing the courts.
