Constitutional sheriffs, including some in the Pacific Northwest, believe they have unique authority

Though the title of sheriff comes historically from England, the role is inextricably linked to the myth of the American West. It is also inextricably linked to the racist foundations of democracy in this country, according to Jessica Pishko in her new book, “The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy.” Pishko writes about the so-called ‘constitutional sheriffs’ movement, which holds that sheriffs, because they are elected directly by the people, are beholden to no authority, and can uphold the Constitution as they see fit. We talk to Pishko about the history of sheriffs, and what the role could mean under a second Trump administration.

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