Shortlisted for Columbia Journalism School’s J. Anthony Lukas Prize A Publishers Lunch NonFiction Buzz Book| Named Most Anticipated by Los Angeles Times A leading authority on sheriffs investigates the impunity with which they police their communities, alongside the troubling role they play in American life, law enforcement, and, increasingly, national politics. The figure of the American sheriff has loomed large in popular imagination, though given the outsize jurisdiction sheriffs have over people’s lives, the office of sheriffs remains a gravely under-examined institution.

Locally elected, largely unaccountable, and difficult to remove, the country’s over three thousand sheriffs, mostly white men, wield immense power—making arrests, running county jails, enforcing evictions and immigration laws—with a quarter of all U.S. law enforcement officers reporting to them. In recent years there’s been a revival of “constitutional sheriffs,” who assert that their authority supersedes that of legislatures, courts, and even the president.

They’ve protested federal mask and vaccine mandates and gun regulations, railed against police reforms, and, ultimately, declared themselves election police, with many endorsing the “Big Lie” of a stolen presidential election. They are embraced by far-right militia groups, white nationalists, the Claremont Institute, and former president Donald Trump, who sees them as allies in mass deportation and border policing. How did a group of law enforcement officers decide that they were “above the law?” What are the stakes for local and national politics, and for America as a multi-racial democracy?

Blending investigative reporting, historical research, and political analysis, author Jessica Pishko takes us to the roots of why sheriffs have become a flashpoint in the current politics of toxic masculinity, guns, white supremacy, and rural resentment, and uncovers how sheriffs have effectively evaded accountability since the nation’s founding. A must-read for fans of Michelle Alexander, Gilbert King, Elizabeth Hinton, and Kathleen Belew.

In many communities across America, sheriffs hold an extraordinary amount of power, often operating with minimal oversight. "The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy" delves into the intricate dynamics that allow these figures to exercise their authority with little consequence. By shedding light on these realities, the book proposes a critical examination of the balance necessary to uphold democratic ideals and protect civil rights.

Sheriffs in America operate with significant authority and minimal oversight allowing power imbalances. Unchecked power of sheriffs can pose serious threats to democratic ideals and civil liberties. Reforms calling for accountability and oversight are crucial to preserving democracy and justice.

Within the pages of "The Highest Law in the Land readers uncover the historical roots and contemporary significance of the sheriff\'s role in the United States. This book unveils how these law enforcement officials wield influence disproportionately across various jurisdictions often with little to no accountability. Focusing on seminal cases and instances where unchecked power has led to miscarriages of justice the narrative highlights a growing concern for citizens and policymakers.

By examining the sheriff's influence on local politics legal proceedings and community relations the book shines a light on the urgent need for reform. It also speaks to how entrenched power structures compromise democracy urging readers to consider the necessary changes needed for a fair system. This critical insight fosters a broader conversation about the relationship between law enforcement and democratic principles.

This book stands out by providing a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted role sheriffs play in modern American society Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling The Highest Law in the Land" highlights the intersection of law enforcement and personal rights It raises awareness about how unchecked power can disrupt democratic frameworks and impact everyday lives By emphasizing real-world examples and potential legislative solutions the book encourages active civic participation and dialogue aiming to inspire readers to advocate for transparency and fairness Ultimately the book serves as a potent call for accountability and reform within law enforcement institutions underscoring the importance of preserving democratic values and civil liberties in today's rapidly changing world.