Boston Globe — Prosecutors — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

Prosecutors

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.

Posts tagged Boston Globe

Taking a second look at life imprisonment

“Criminologists know that individuals “age out” of crime. Any parent of a teenager understands that misbehavior, often serious, is all too common at this stage. FBI arrest data show that the rate of arrest for teenage boys rises sharply from the mid-teen years through the early 20s but then declines significantly. Arrests for robbery, for example, peak at age 19 but decline by more than half by age 30 and by three-quarters by age 40. The same is true for other violent crimes. The reason is clear. As teenage boys enter their 20s, they lose their impulsivity, get jobs, find life partners, form families, and generally take on adult roles. Violent behavior becomes less attractive.“

Boston Globe

November 7, 2019

SentencingPhillip ReevesNovember 7, 2019Boston GlobeComment

The true role of the district attorney

“The social justice district attorney candidate makes grand pronouncements, and, as here in Boston, proclaims that entire categories of crime will no longer be prosecuted. This is done, it’s claimed, to redress inequities in the demographics of who is in jail or prison. This criminal justice philosophy, though well intentioned, is flawed in several respects.“

Boston Globe

May 28, 2019

State ReformsPhillip ReevesMay 28, 2019Boston GlobeComment

Endorsement: Rachael Rollins and Donna Patalano would lead on criminal justice reform

Both candidates would take the lead on criminal justice reform in Suffolk and Middlesex counties.

Boston Globe

August 28, 2018

ProsecutorsAnthony BradleySeptember 3, 2018Boston Globe, Middlesex County, Suffolk County, Massachusetts