Proposition on the Theory of Policing

Fabien Jobard (1)

1 CESDIP - Centre de recherches sociologiques sur le droit et les institutions pénales

This article revisits several arguments that Jean-Paul Brodeur developed for at least two decades on the role of the use of force in the definition and a general theory of policing. The author examines the theoretical project that characterizes The Policing Web, his last book, and assesses where "legal lawlessness", the touchstone of the theory of policing put forward in the book, fits. He then outlines a sociological approach of legal lawlessness, considering that Jean-Paul Brodeur's chosen method could not be considered a sociological one. At that point, a "sociological theory of policing" will emerge, based on the concept of sovereignty. After having clearly defined this concept's accepted meaning, a "political theory of policing" is formulated.

Domaines: Sociologie

Fabien Jobard. Proposition on the Theory of Policing. Penal Field, 2012, IX, http://champpenal.revues.org/8286. ⟨hal-00744208⟩