In the analysis of police legitimacy, what is the described relationship between the public’s willingness to defer to law and police authority and perceptions of police legitimacy?

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The main idea is that people’s view of police legitimacy shapes whether they willingly defer to law and police authority. When the public sees the police as legitimate—fair, just, and trustworthy—they’re more likely to accept and follow laws and police decisions because they believe the system is rightful and worthy of obedience. This creates a positive link: higher perceived legitimacy goes hand in hand with greater willingness to defer to authority. The other statements conflict with this view, as they imply no relationship, a negative effect, or independence between obedience and legitimacy.