State Sanctioned
A clearinghouse for information, analysis, and resources related to state sanctioned violence in the United States
Lynchings Averted or Resisted by Law Enforcement
L
aw enforcement participation in, or acquiescence to lynching was so common during the lynching era, anti-lynching organizations began to celebrate and publicize the incidents where sheriffs took extraordinary measures to protect their prisoners.
This article from the Jonesboro Evening Sun (October 13th, 1914) offers a representative example of the important state actors could play in the prevention of lynching. In this case, Faust Scott was protected because the county sheriff, Governor, and national guard were ready and willing to act.
For PDF version: Faust Scott Attempted Jonesboro Evening Sun 10131914
Here you will find documentation of cases where law enforcement personnel acted conscientiously and fulfilled their legal obligations to ensure due process.
Incidents are listed in chronological order.
January 2nd, 1914 – Attempted in Chestertown, MD
April 14th, 1914 – Charles Ragland
May 12th, 1914 – Robert (Earl) Hamilton
June 19th, 1914 – Frank Mathis
July 6th, 1914 – Johnson (first name unknown)
July 19th, 1914 – Moses Johnson
July 26th, 1914 – James Addison
October 13th, 1914 – Faust Scott
August, 1919 – Anthony Williams
December 20th, 1920 – Henry Lewis
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