Rikers — Prosecutors — 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.

NYC Prosecutors Are Stoking Fear About the Mass Bailout, but Their Arguments Don't Add Up

“Even if New York’s prosecutors ultimately do not impede the foundation’s efforts, their rhetoric is disappointing. Much of criminal justice reform is about making the general public think more carefully about the needless, preventable, and often counterproductive harms that the system creates, and the prosecutors’ reactive ‘what about public safety?!’ proclamations directly undermine such efforts, and only serve to strengthen the public’s willingness to continue to cage women and teens.“

The Appeal

October 2, 2018

Pre-trial Intervention, ProsecutorsPhillip ReevesOctober 2, 2018The Appeal, New York City, RikersComment

Queens Prosecutor: Kalief Browder's Suicide Wasn't About Rikers

“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

Mass IncarcerationPhillip ReevesSeptember 11, 2018The Appeal, Queens, New York City, RikersComment

Prosecutors

Galsworthy CJR Program

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