Currently, prosecutors in both the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems have too much discretion in pressing charges, determining what sentences are sought, and negotiating plea deals. Trial by jury is a key tenant of the American criminal justice system, but heightened prosecutorial power significantly reduces the power and frequency of a trial by peers. Attempts at sentencing reform must address largely unchecked prosecutorial discretion.
“In the past, candidates running to be district attorney — if they were challenged at all — touted their toughness on crime. But now district attorneys’ races have become more competitive, attracting large donations and challengers running on pledges to transform the criminal justice system.“
New York Times
October 25, 2018
Read More“Although law enforcement officials have traditionally opposed such measures for an array of reasons — including accountability, a belief that records are vital to public safety, and unstinting support for crime victims — a growing number of them have begun to recognize that criminal records can be enduring obstacles to self-sufficiency and even help trap people in cycles of crime. Increasingly, they are overtly endorsing mercy through record suppression.“
New York Times
October 7, 2018
Read More“District attorneys from around the U.S. who gathered in Salt Lake City on Thursday and Friday say they're being pressed on issues such as Black Lives Matter, mass incarceration and police shootings. They're also facing more election challenges, often from reform-minded candidates.“
The Journal Times
September 28, 2018
Read More“It had been less than 24 hours since homicide Lt. Michael Russell had been summoned to a killing, and now, on a hot Saturday morning in July, he was headed to yet another. One of his sergeants texted him with a message and a location: “Man, can’t get a breather,...“
Washington Post
September 13, 2018
Read More“Led by an 85-year-old incumbent who has been in power for nearly three decades, the Queens district attorney’s office is one of only two in the city (Staten Island’s is the other) that publicly opposes the slow-moving closure of Rikers. Some advocates have also questioned the plan, which aims to reduce the jail population while increasing the number of jails.“
The Appeal
September 10, 2018
Read More"Our communities (including our police officers) are safer when our communities trust and believe in the criminal justice system. And although DAs only report to the voters, they should also hear, listen to, and amplify those behind the wall and without a vote. DAs and the assistant district attorneys they supervise should know and understand what it feels like to be locked in a cell."
Rewire News
August 31, 2018
Read More"The fight for reform manifested in Nevada in this year’s Democratic primary for district attorney in Clark County, where incumbent Steve Wolfson beat attorney Robert Langford. Though voters rallied behind Langford in the hope he would overhaul parts of the local justice system such as bail reform, the election was never solely about the candidates."
The Nevada Current
August 3, 2018
Read More"One major hurdle in these delayed-disclosure cases is that courts put the burden on the defense to prove that the delay prejudiced them. It then discounts any argument made on the basis that it is speculative. Why should the defense bear the burden when the Government has either intentionally gamed the system or unintentionally failed to meet its obligations?"
The Open File
July 18, 2018
Read More"People looking at the growth of mass incarceration are increasingly focusing on the key role that prosecutors play, and in just six months Krasner has already radically changed that role. Chris Hayes got a chance to talk to Larry Krasner about 'storming the palace doors':"
NBC
July 10, 2018
Read More"Why Calcasieu? The parish is a four-hour drive from Caddo, all the way in the far south part of the state, so it’s not for convenience’s sake. Perhaps it’s because DeRosier’s office still reflects an antiquated outlook, where being tough on crime and winning to win is the driving ethos."
The Appeal
June 29, 2018
Read More"“District attorneys in rural and suburban areas tend to be much more punitively oriented, … with harsh, tough-on-crime rhetoric, and a lot of that follows from the attitude of the people that live in those areas,” Bucklen said. “They’re responding to the people that elected them.”"
Philadelphia Inquirer
June 26, 2018
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