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.
“The report outlines changes Deberry has made, from how the office is structured and prosecutes homicides, to not prosecuting certain misdemeanors and school referrals. She also created an internal pre-trial release policy that seeks to keep more people out of jail and a committee that reviews and shares information about police misconduct. Here are five significant changes Deberry has made since taking office Jan. 1.“
Raleigh News & Observer
July 25, 2019
Read More“A judge’s decision could end the practice of jailing people for soliciting money along streets and highways, but DA Spencer Merriweather has been slow to embrace the change.“
The Appeal
October 16, 2018
Read More“The complaint portrays two vulnerable men—“McCollum and Brown have IQs in the 50s,” the bar wrote—who were exploited by a lawyer required to act in their best interest. The complaint lists 16 separate ethical violations. Megaro allegedly lied to federal and state judges, double-billed his clients and misused trust funds. The complaint says he engaged in fraud by signing off on loans at 42 percent interest and shared legal fees with a non-lawyer.“
Marshall Project
September 26, 2018
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