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Chokehold: Policing Black Men Hardcover – July 11, 2017

by Paul Butler (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 647 ratings
See all formats and editions
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Finalist for the 2018 National Council on Crime & Delinquency’s Media for a Just Society Awards

Nominated for the 49th NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work (Nonfiction)

A 2017 Washington Post Notable Book

A Kirkus Best Book of 2017

“Butler has hit his stride. This is a meditation, a sonnet, a legal brief, a poetry slam and a dissertation that represents the full bloom of his early thesis: The justice system does not work for blacks, particularly black men.”
―The Washington Post

“The most readable and provocative account of the consequences of the war on drugs since Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow . . . .”
―The New York Times Book Review

“Powerful . . . deeply informed from a legal standpoint and yet in some ways still highly personal”
―The Times Literary Supplement (London)

With the eloquence of Ta-Nehisi Coates and the persuasive research of Michelle Alexander, a former federal prosecutor explains how the system really works, and how to disrupt it

Cops, politicians, and ordinary people are afraid of black men. The result is the Chokehold: laws and practices that treat every African American man like a thug. In this explosive new book, an African American former federal prosecutor shows that the system is working exactly the way it's supposed to. Black men are always under watch, and police violence is widespread―all with the support of judges and politicians.

In his no-holds-barred style, Butler, whose scholarship has been featured on 60 Minutes, uses new data to demonstrate that white men commit the majority of violent crime in the United States. For example, a white woman is ten times more likely to be raped by a white male acquaintance than be the victim of a violent crime perpetrated by a black man. Butler also frankly discusses the problem of black on black violence and how to keep communities safer―without relying as much on police.

Chokehold powerfully demonstrates why current efforts to reform law enforcement will not create lasting change. Butler's controversial recommendations about how to crash the system, and when it's better for a black man to plead guilty―even if he's innocent―are sure to be game-changers in the national debate about policing, criminal justice, and race relations.
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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    The New Press
  4. Publication date
    July 11, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1595589058
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1595589057
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Chokehold:
Finalist for the 2018 National Council on Crime & Delinquency's Media for a Just Society Awards

Nominated for the 49th NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work (Nonfiction)

A 2017 Washington Post Notable Book

A Kirkus Best Book of 2017

New York Times Book Review "11 New Books We Recommend This Week"

"Butler has hit his stride. This is a meditation, a sonnet, a legal brief, a poetry slam and a dissertation that represents the full bloom of his early thesis: The justice system does not work for blacks, particularly black men."
―The Washington Post

"The most readable and provocative account of the consequences of the war on drugs since Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow . . ."
―The New York Times Book Review

"Powerful . . . deeply informed from a legal standpoint and yet in some ways still highly personal"
―The Times Literary Supplement (London)

"Butler doesn't flinch from facts that many reformers prefer to avoid."
―Bookforum

"A searing look at the interactions of law enforcement and black men by a former prosecutor . . . . Smart, filled rightfully with righteous indignation, and demanding broad discussion and the widest audience."
―Kirkus Reviews (starred) "Paul Butler's book equips supporters of Black Lives Matter with one more important resource to curb racism in law enforcement."
―Study Breaks

"Paul Butler illuminates the complexities that shape racial injustice in America with a sharp, critical, intersectional analysis that is honest and sobering. Chokehold deconstructs all of the forces that have created despair and violence in the criminal justice system but courageously posits solutions as well. An important read for anyone searching for a more just system."
―Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy

"Insightful reading for all genders and generations. By engaging in courageous dialogue, Paul Butler illustrates how the system is broken on purpose, and why those who believe in justice can't settle for shortsighted reform. With its well-researched, poignant answers to the most complicated questions of our day, Chokehold is a crucial read for those who want to stay woke and win."
―Opal Tometi, co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter and executive director of Black Alliance for Just Immigration

"A wonderfully disturbing book that will upset everything you think you know about race and criminal justice in America―colorful and vibrant social theory rooted in revolutionary pragmatism."
―Michael Eric Dyson, author of Tears We Cannot Stop

"Paul Butler tells the unvarnished truth about the criminal justice system. Butler confronts just about everyone―police, prosecutors, judges, black elites, liberals, and radicals. A must-read for those with a serious interest in criminal justice."
―Judge Shira Scheindlin (ret.), presiding judge in Floyd v. City of New York challenging the city's stop-and-frisk program

"Chokehold speaks to the lived experiences of black men across the country who are targeted by a 'justice' system that is designed to punish them―and is far from 'just' in doing so."
―Michael Render (aka Killer Mike of Run the Jewels), Grammy award–winning rapper and activist

About the Author

A former federal prosecutor, Paul Butler provides legal commentary for MSNBC and NPR and has been featured on 60 Minutes and profiled in the Washington Post. A law professor at Georgetown University, he is the author of Let's Get Free: A Hip-Hop Theory of Justice, winner of the Harry Chapin Media Award, and Chokehold: Policing Black Men (both from The New Press). He has published numerous op-eds and book reviews, including in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Los Angeles Times. He lives in Washington, DC.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The New Press; Illustrated edition (July 11, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1595589058
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1595589057
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.05 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 647 ratings

About the author

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Paul Butler

Paul Butler

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A former federal prosecutor, Paul Butler provides legal commentary for CNN, MSNBC, and NPR and has been featured on 60 Minutes and profiled in the Washington Post. A law professor at Georgetown University and a visiting professor at Harvard Law School in 2017-18, he is the author of Let’s Get Free: A Hip-Hop Theory of Justice, winner of the Harry Chapin Media Award, and Chokehold: Policing Black Men (both from The New Press). He has published numerous op-eds and book reviews, including in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and the Los Angeles Times. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
647 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book amazing, engaging, and well-written. They appreciate the great insight and research presented by the author. Readers also describe the book as an eye-opening and substantial reference.

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ReadabilityInsightWriting quality
29 customers mention "Readability"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the book amazing, engaging, and thought-provoking. They say it's well-written and excellent. Readers also mention they are truly moved by the book.

"...is essentially written for younger black males but is a useful read for anyone interested in racial/social justice IMO...." Read more

"Really good book. You get knowledge of the system plus tips from a Fed prosecutor. Definitely worth taking a read." Read more

"I am not an expert by any stretch, but this book is a good, clear, backed-up explanation of the current system that weights heaviest on African..." Read more

"...whether appropriate or not, will understand after reading this well-written book. It made me angry, outraged, and very sad...." Read more

26 customers mention "Insight"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's insight great, impressive, and substantial. They describe it as an excellent and penetrating analysis of the criminal justice system. Readers also say the book is thought-provoking and challenging.

"...I have so much to learn, and this book has been invaluable in opening my eyes. Paul Butler is well spoken, and this book is very well researched...." Read more

"...not an expert by any stretch, but this book is a good, clear, backed-up explanation of the current system that weights heaviest on African Americans...." Read more

"...The book's meaning is even more powerful upon this first anniversary of the George Floyd murder. A chokehold, indeed." Read more

"...especially the prominent ones, exercised this sort of courage, ingenuity, and altruism. Props to Mr. Butler, and to this extraordinary Book!" Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive1 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book clear, compelling, and down-to-earth. They appreciate the detailed analysis of laws and policies.

"...Butler's work is well-researched, clearly written, and compelling. No one gets a free pass: To that end, remember that knowledge is power." Read more

"A lucid, detailed and measured analysis at the laws and policies that constrain African American people, but especially men...." Read more

"...The book is poorly written and themed, but most of all it is written by a former prosecutor who could not find his humanity until his fellow..." Read more

"Important, needed, down to earth, and true info. a must!" Read more

Pages Missing & Sections Printed Twice
1 out of 5 stars
Pages Missing & Sections Printed Twice
I started reading this book, and when I got to the very first citation (1, pg. 19) and flipped to the back to check the source, I discovered that my copy skips from page 242 to 275 which cuts off the last 14 pages of the text, as well as the Acknowledgements, and first 10 citations of the Notes listed in the back. When I continued flipping through the rest of the pages to see if the missing parts were simply "misplaced" in the printing or binding process, I discovered that my copy has from page 275 through the end of the book printed twice. I assume this only happened in my copy as I don't see any other reviews stating this same problem. Unfortunately, I'm just starting to read this book 10 months after purchasing it so I'm well beyond the return window. Since I won't be able to complete this book, I guess I'll just have to throw in the towel on this one and read another one from my shelf.If you purchase this, be sure to flip through the back to make sure you have a complete copy before your return window closes.
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Top reviews from the United States

Margaret G
5.0 out of 5 stars Important book to read for these times!
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2020
Verified Purchase
I could not put this book down! Though it was written in 2018, I bought it in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May of 2020. I have so much to learn, and this book has been invaluable in opening my eyes. Paul Butler is well spoken, and this book is very well researched. Just incredibly eye opening and so very pertinent to the social and political climate we are currently in. I will be coming back to this book for certain. A definite must read.
4 people found this helpful
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Old Tim
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read.
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2018
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This is an excellent book. It is essentially written for younger black males but is a useful read for anyone interested in racial/social justice IMO. Mr. Butler covers a number of issues around the criminal (in)justice system as it applies to black men but he also makes clear that black women are also victimized both from the color of their skin and their gender. In spite of being an old white male, I applaud Mr. Butler and other contemporary authors who continue to pull the cover back on the truly appalling situation we have in America regarding racial/social injustice. Given the politics of the day I fear it will get worse before it gets better. I encourage my fellow white people to read with an open mind and step up and speak out.
42 people found this helpful
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Kenneth L. Mickens Esq.
5.0 out of 5 stars "Chokehold" is an enlightening commentary on the American criminal justice system!
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2017
Verified Purchase
Book Review. Paul Butler's " Chokehold: Policing Black Men" is a comprehensive study of the psychology of America's criminal justice (or injustice) system. In " Chokehold" Butler answers critical questions concerning the impact of the American criminal justice system on African American men. He provides well-documented support for his conclusion that the system is designed to subjugate African Americans. Given the central role of race in the allocation of societal resources, Butler cogently argues that correcting this system is not merely a matter of clearing up misconceptions through dialogue or adopting modest reforms. Instead, he postulates that the American criminal justice structure must be restructured from the ground up. Butler effectively conveys the point that policing will not change significantly for African Americans until such comprehensive change happens. Until then, African Americans (especially African American men) will remain under a chokehold. I recommend this book.
28 people found this helpful
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Rogers Pittman
4.0 out of 5 stars Really good reading
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2020
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Really good book. You get knowledge of the system plus tips from a Fed prosecutor. Definitely worth taking a read.
2 people found this helpful
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Jim
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Enlightening Book
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2020
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I am not an expert by any stretch, but this book is a good, clear, backed-up explanation of the current system that weights heaviest on African Americans. It helps expose the impact of the war on drugs and its disproportionate and devastating impact on young Black men especially. It should make you angry and ready to see us totally rethink our criminal "justice" system.
One person found this helpful
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Chuck Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars College education
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
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Great price easy purchase great shipping
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David Alan
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2021
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I was very moved by brother Paul Butler's courage in writing this book, especially the self-admitted difficult parts. The book's meaning is even more powerful upon this first anniversary of the George Floyd murder. A chokehold, indeed.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I was truly moved by this book. I have ...
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2017
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I was truly moved by this book. I have NEVER submitted a review for an Amazon our purhase before, this book is a must read for any person that has pondered WHY ???? For the conditions in the urban areas, for anyone that has wondered WHY at this point the condition of black people in america remains mainly unchanged even after having Mr Obama in office. This book clearly explains the Why and the How..
18 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

John Ancient
5.0 out of 5 stars Informed description and comment on the racial situation in the U.S.
Reviewed in Canada on July 23, 2020
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The book describes in a dispassionate way the racial tensions in the U.S. by someone who has been directly impacted by them. It avoids being polemical in an environment where unfortunately factual accounts lack the lure of sensationalist ones. Kudos to Paul Butler.
One person found this helpful
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Timothy
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
Reviewed in Canada on November 14, 2019
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Timely delivery, excellent condition at receipt. The book is deeper and more powerful than the reviews suggested. Recommended for whoever is involved with social justice and the law.
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