Publisher's Synopsis
This book examines the domestic, comparative, and international law standards that govern the fatal use of force by law enforcement in the United States and Germany, with the goal of informing public discourse. There's no question that issues related to the fatal use of force by law enforcement are emotionally charged, and incredibly important. This book describes the relevant legal standards in fatal use of force incidents in the United States and Germany, with the goal of giving the reader a sober view of applicable laws in the two countries. Having a working knowledge of the relevant legal standards is critical to informed debate on police use-of-force. In light of increased media attention and public outrage in the aftermath of numerous high profile police killings in recent years, this book examines the fatal use of force by police officers in both the United States and Germany. Both nations have a history of struggling with race relations, and more recently, with immigration, both nations are industrialized, and both nations have armed law enforcement officers who are authorized to use deadly force. Similarly, both nations are federal republics, and the economies of both nations are among the largest, most productive, and innovative in the world. Despite these similarities, the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers in Germany is exceedingly rare when compared to the rate in the United States. This book will explore the legal implications of the fatal use of force incident to arrest according to U.S. Law, German law, and international law applicable to both nations, with an eye toward revealing inconsistencies among the laws.
