Philadelphia — Prosecutors — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

Larry Krasner vs. Everybody: Inside the Philly DA’s Crusade to Revolutionize Criminal Justice

“As a career defense attorney who’d never prosecuted a case in his life, Larry Krasner did promise a radical reworking of the DA’s office — an end to what he called the “crisis of mass incarceration.” He won, improbably, in part because of major campaign spending by liberal billionaire George Soros. Now, nearly two years into his first term, he’s shown he can deliver on what he promised, diverting nonviolent offenders from prison and eliminating cash bail for some charges.* But the victories have come with controversy — including, most spectacularly, some dramatic skirmishes with his fellow top law enforcement officers.“

Philadelphia Magazine

November 23, 2019

State ReformsPhillip ReevesNovember 23, 2019Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia, Larry KrasnerComment

North Philly man cleared of murder after 27 years in prison, the 10th exoneration under DA Larry Krasner

“Sworn in on a promise to transform the District Attorney’s Office, Krasner last year expanded his Conviction Integrity Unit and broadened its ambitions. He also appointed Patricia Cummings, formerly based in Texas, to lead the unit that examines inmates’ claims of wrongful convictions. Cummings said that in 22 months, the unit has reviewed requests involving about 200 cases, most of which prosecutors have left intact. Still, Krasner said that 10 exonerations means that investigators determined 5% of those cases were marred by fundamental errors.“

Philadelphia Inquirer

October 9, 2019

Pennsylvania Democrats Had a Change to Reject Law Limiting Philly DA's Authority

“On July 2, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law a bill that includes a controversial provision to strip progressive Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner of some prosecuting power over gun cases in the city. The measure, passed in late June by the Republican-led state legislature, gives state Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office the ability to prosecute cases involving the illegal possession and illegal sale of firearms in the city—without first conferring with Krasner.“

The Appeal

July 25, 2019

ProsecutorsPhillip ReevesJuly 25, 2019The Appeal, Pennsylvania, Larry Krasner, PhiladelphiaComment

Philly’s Weekend Violence Has Officials Eager to Find Answers — and Place Blame

“Ross responded that he’s not ‘ready to say’ that Krasner’s office bears any responsibility in the increase in gun violence but that ‘you better believe that’s one of the things we’re looking at’.“

Philadelphia Magazine

June 18, 2019

ProsecutorsPhillip ReevesJune 20, 2019Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia, Larry KrasnerComment

DA Krasner should take a page from Reagan’s playbook: Cut budgets to enshrine your legacy | Opinion

“As long as a progressive is at the helm, having a strong District’s Attorney’s Office can be a positive. But power also can be taken away. If a tough-on-crime prosecutor manages to claim power, a slashed budget from Krasner would land that person in a DA’s Office that we can drown in the bathtub.“

Philadelphia Inquirer

April 29, 2019

ProsecutorsPhillip ReevesApril 29, 2019Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Larry KrasnerComment

Five takeaways from Philly DA Larry Krasner’s 2019 budget hearing

“Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner testified before City Council on Wednesday as part of the city’s annual budget hearings. In addition to asking for funding for the next fiscal year, Krasner’s testimony served as a venue for him to share what he described as some early returns from his first year in office, including efforts to reduce reliance on incarceration and supervision, diversify his staff, and change the makeup of certain units in the office. Here are five highlights.“

Philadelphia Inquirer

April 24, 2019

ProsecutorsPhillip ReevesApril 24, 2019Philadelphia, Philadelphia Inquirer, Larry KrasnerComment

D.A.'s new probation policy makes sense

“In an editorial meeting with the Tribune last week, Krasner cited a Columbia University study that found the longer someone is under supervision the higher their risk of getting sent back to prison for a probation violation or losing a job because an employer becomes impatient when an employee has to leave for regular appointments with a parole or probation officer.“

Philadelphia Tribune

March 29, 2019

ProsecutorsPhillip ReevesMarch 29, 2019Philadelphia Tribune, Larry Krasner, PhiladelphiaComment

Philly DA Larry Krasner: We took on mass incarceration. Now we’re addressing mass supervision.

“‘I think people instinctively believed too much supervision is not enough. But it turns out too much supervision is too much. ... It does tremendous harm, and it costs a fortune,’ Krasner said in an interview outlining policies to be announced Thursday. Nationally, about 40 percent of people on probation are reincarcerated, making community supervision a major driver of incarceration. About 40 percent of Philadelphia’s jail population is being held on a detainer for a violation of probation or parole.“

Philadelphia Inquirer

March 21, 2019

Sentencing, State ReformsPhillip ReevesMarch 21, 2019Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Larry KrasnerComment

Larry Krasner’s first year as Philly DA: Staff turnover, fewer cases, plenty of controversy

“In public remarks, policy changes, and staffing decisions, Krasner, who campaigned on a pledge to curb mass incarceration, has sought to remake the culture of his agency, if not the system at large. He has personally led a national recruiting effort and turned over almost 30 percent of the office’s staff, while unveiling directives that rethink charging decisions, bail requests, and sentencing recommendations.“

Philadelphia Inquirer

January 6, 2019

State ReformsPhillip ReevesJanuary 6, 2019Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Larry KrasnerComment

Inside the Philadelphia DA’s side hustle — selling seized homes to speculators and cops

“As families fought to keep homes targeted by the DA, the revenues from the forfeiture sales became a big moneymaker for local law enforcement – netting some $6 million annually in the best years. The proceeds turned into an unregulated budget split between the police and DA. The money made off of the seized homes went to buy wish list items ranging from new submachine guns to custom uniform embroidery. “

Plan Philly

December 10, 2018

Civil Asset ForfeiturePhillip ReevesDecember 10, 2018Plan Philly, Philadelphia, Civil asset forfeitureComment

America’s Leading Reform-Minded District Attorney Has Taken His Most Radical Step Yet

“Krasner has challenged the idea that every person convicted of killing should be sent away for the rest of their lives, which is the mandatory minimum sentence for first- or second- degree murder in Pennsylvania. He has mandated that he personally sign off on any deal offered that exceeds 15 to 30 years in prison. “

Slate

December 4, 2018

SentencingPhillip ReevesDecember 4, 2018Slate, Larry Krasner, PhiladelphiaComment

Larry Krasner moves Philadelphia beyond ‘eye-for-an-eye’ on murder | Opinion

“Breaking with long-held tradition, Krasner is no longer seeking to charge any killing that happens in the city with the highest possible charge — first-degree murder that carries a sentence of life without parole or death. Instead, Krasner intends to use the full spectrum of murder charges.“

Philadelphia Inquirer

November 20, 2018

SentencingPhillip ReevesNovember 20, 2018Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Larry KrasnerComment

What’s Philly’s DA Got to Do With Me?

"Krasner, who took office in January, styles himself a progressive, but his objectives dovetail closely with those of conservative and libertarian justice reformers. All share a broader vision of radically reshaping a criminal justice system that is deeply unjust and out of line with American constitutional and moral values."

The American Conservative

July 30, 2018

How prosecutors can help end mass incarceration, with Larry Krasner: podcast & transcript

"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

Mass Incarceration, ProsecutorsAnthony BradleyJuly 29, 2018NBC, Larry Krasner, Philadelphia

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