Does the state have a monopoly on violence?

[Lucas_Jackson]

@robby

Have you never heard the term “state monopoly on violence”? The state (in the form of law enforcement officers) is the only entity permitted to employ violence to keep the peace.

I think that is using the term “violence” to strongly. The state keeps the peace through laws and courts and possibly the threat of violence.

When I think of Monopoly of Violence, I think of the Third Reich, Secret Police (The Gestapo), Nazis and Jackboots.

American government is a bit more benign.

And yes, I see the definition you’ve linked to but I still think it’s too strongly stated.