Legitimacy reflects the willingness of residents to defer to the law and to police authority, that is, their sense of obligation and responsibility to accept police authority.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Legitimacy in the context of law enforcement and governance refers to the perception that an authority, such as the police, is entitled to have its directives followed. This perception is based on the belief that the authority is morally right and proper, and it encompasses the idea that residents should accept and adhere to the law and police directives out of a sense of obligation and responsibility, rather than fear of punishment.

Legitimacy Reflects the Willingness of Residents to Defer to the Law