The lawlessness of law: lynching and anti-lynching in the contemporary USA. (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carr, Jesse
• Is Part Of: Settler colonial studies. Volume 6:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Colonies -- Periodicals; Postcolonialism -- Periodicals; 325.3
• DOI: 10.1080/2201473X.2015.1024381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2201-473X

Abstract

Abstract : This article examines the mutually constitutive nature of mob rule and rule of law, arguing that American histories of lynching indicate it has been a form of state-sanctioned violence rather than a result of 'lawlessness.' The article furthermore argues that pro-lynching discourses remain ubiquitous in contemporary US culture, despite ostensible rejection of the practice. The persistence of pro-lynching ideologies and 'modern-day lynchings' indicates the ongoing need for anti-lynching movements; but, my analysis suggests these movements will be most successful when they critique the rule of law rather than idealize it.