Qualified Immunity, The Upside Of Spite

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time
Milwaukee police car
Police are seen outside of a house near Potomac and Courtland after a shooting at Molson Coors, Wednesday Feb. 26, 2020, in Milwaukee. AP Photo/Morry Gash

State and federal lawmakers are calling for reforms to the principle of qualified immunity for police officers. We talk about what immunity really does and how the surrounding debate is changing. We also find out why feeling spiteful is a natural part of our psychology and how we can manage it positively.

Featured in this Show

  • A Look At Qualified Immunity For Police Amid Calls For Reform

    The principle of qualified immunity protects police in the United States from most civil lawsuits, which some state and federal lawmakers are calling to change. We talk with a law professor about how immunity affects policing and how the conversation around it is changing.

  • The Value Of 'Spite' In Humans

    We’ve all felt it. The desire to get back at the person who cut you off on the freeway, or the person who tried to sneak in front of you in line. We talk to an expert in neuropsychology about humans have spite, and some of the benefits of it.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Dean Knetter Producer
  • Rachael Vasquez Producer
  • Teressa Ravenell Guest
  • Simon McCarthy-Jones Guest
  • Tyler Ditter Technical Director

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