The Highest Law in the Land: A Conversation with Jessica Pishko

Schedule

Wed Mar 18 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:15 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Duke University School of Law | Durham, NC

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A discussion with Jessica Pishko about her new book: The Highest Law in the Land:
How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy
About this Event

Join us for a conversation with acclaimed journalist, lawyer, and author Jessica Pishko on her latest book: The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy. Locally elected, the country’s over three thousand sheriffs wield immense power—making arrests, running county jails, enforcing evictions and immigration laws—with a quarter of all U.S. law enforcement officers reporting to them. Blending investigative reporting, historical research, and political analysis, author Jessica Pishko takes the reader to the roots of why sheriffs have become a flashpoint in current politics.

Co-sponsored by the Duke Justice Project, the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law, the Duke Decarceration Project and the Duke Law chapters of the ACLU and the National Lawyers Guild.

Books will be available for sale and dinner will be provided!

Parking and entry information:

Please enter through the front door of the law school off of Science Drive.

Parking is available at the Bryan Center Garage and the Science Drive Garage nearby (More information on parking available here: https://parking.duke.edu/visitor-parking/)

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Where is it happening?

Duke University School of Law, 210 Science Drive, Durham, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 0.00

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Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law

Host or Publisher Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law

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