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Argumentative Essay: The Unfair Death Of Michael Brown

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The debate of the unfair death of 18-year-old Michael Brown brings light to the unjust actions of the police and judicial system. The recent shooting of Michael Brown has stirred anger and bitterness in the mostly African American community of Ferguson. Protestors are claiming that Officer Darren Wilson, the police officer who killed Brown on August 9th, illegally killed the young, 18 year old boy. Police officers should not be shooting anyone unless they feel as if their life or anyone else’s life is in danger. Currently, the stories of witnesses and police are different. According to the St. Louis County police, Wilson stepped out of his car, but Brown pushed him. Short after, a struggle ensued in the car, and Brown attempted to take the …show more content…

The officer then slammed his brakes, reversed his car, and tried to open the door of his car. The door hit Brown and closed. Johnson stated that after a series of “tug-of-war” between Wilson and Brown, Wilson shot Johnson. According to Johnson, Wilson ran, turned around, and said, “‘I don’t have a gun, stop shooting!’” (Levy). Yet, the officer continued to shoot and fired several more shots. Was it necessary for Officer Wilson to shoot Brown? Peter Joy, a criminal justice expert at the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, states that “the central question in cases like this [is]...‘[Was] there a reasonable risk of harm?’” (Levy). More than one witness can account for Brown’s defense. Brown and Johnson were two inexperienced and naive young adults. They were unfairly judged because of their race and were two victims of racism. Although there were conflicting exchanges of physical altercation between Brown and Wilson, none of them rise to the level that justifies lethal force. “‘International standards provide that law enforcement officers should only use force as a last resort’”

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