Exploring the Politics of Crime Control: An Emphasis on Liberian Society

Abstract

This study explored the politics of crime control as its conceptual framework. It uses the qualitative method with particular emphasis on content analysis. The data collection was sourced from a relevant literature review comprised of articles, books, journals, and webpages. Putting Liberia in context, the study explains why certain crimes that make major news headlines or stories remain hanging without a logical conclusion for prosecution despite the quantum of evidence that may exist or be available. It attributes the reason to the interest of the state or government. It argues that regardless of the quantum of evidence or pieces of evidence that may be available, the protection of the state interest is more important than the outcome of the prosecution. Thus, the study found that as it relates to certain crimes that make major news headlines or stories the decision for prosecution is politically motivated in which the interest of the state or government must be protected at the expense of society’s expectations that override the prosecution of crime. The study concludes that the politics of crime control inherently promotes injustice. It violates the legal maxim “Let justice be done to all” or “No one is above the law”. This is because when pieces of evidence are ignored because of the interest of the state, or government, it denies people or victims of their rights to justice.