About this episode

This episode features a discussion on the role of county sheriffs in shaping US gun culture with experts Emily Farris and Mirya Holman.

In this episode of Guns Unpacked, we are joined by Emily Farris and Mirya Holman, who address the unique role of sheriff within the American justice system and the influence they possess in the world of politics, and how that role shapes US gun culture.Farris is an associate professor in political science, and core faculty member in comparative race and ethnic studies” at Texas Christian University. Mirya is an associate professor at Hobby School of Public Affairs at The University of Houston. They are co-authors of "The Power of the Badge: Sheriffs and Inequality in the United States” with the University of Chicago Press (2024). This conversation focuses on the topics of the duty of sheriffs, accountability, local elections, white conservatism, gun control, red flag gun laws, and the possibility of future research. And the significance sheriffs’ hold in the debate on gun culture and local power within America.

People in this episode

Host: Jennifer Carlson

Guests: Emily Farris, Mirya Holman

Topics covered

• sheriffs
• US gun culture
• politics
• accountability
• local elections
• gun control
• red flag gun laws

Keywords

• sheriffs
• gun culture
• politics
• accountability
• gun control
• local power
• red flag laws

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Texas Christian University, Hobby School of Public Affairs at The University of Houston, University of Chicago Press

Books & works: The Power of the Badge: Sheriffs and Inequality in the United States

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