Policing the Open Road

In Policing the Open Road, Sarah Seo explores how the rise of the automobile, a symbol of American freedom, has led to increased police authority and pervasive surveillance on the roads, adversely affecting racial equality within the criminal justice system. Seo traces the transformation in interactions between Americans and law enforcement as driving became commonplace, revealing how constitutional protections like the Fourth Amendment have been interpreted in ways that permit intrusive policing. Ultimately, the book argues that rather than safeguarding individuals, legal reforms have often accommodated and reinforced discriminatory practices, especially against marginalized motorists.