Economist Podcasts To protect and serve: police reform one year after George Floyd
May 25, 2021
Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney known for advocating police reform and representing families like George Floyd's, joins John Priddo, United States editor for The Economist. They delve into the significant protests following Floyd's murder and the potential for real change in policing practices. Discussion highlights include the ongoing fight against systemic racism, the legislative challenges of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and shifts in community safety perceptions, alongside the impact of socio-economic disparities on racial justice efforts.
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Police Killings and Protests
- George Floyd's murder was not an unusual event in America.
- Black people are disproportionately killed by police, sparking protests.
Protests and Legal Protections
- Legal protections and police unions often shield officers from prosecution.
- The protests following Floyd's murder spread nationwide and internationally.
A Perfect Storm
- The pandemic and existing racial tensions amplified the impact of George Floyd's murder.
- The duration of the video and the quarantine situation contributed to its widespread impact.