St Louis — 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.

Elected as a Progressive Reformer, Kim Gardner's First 21 Months Have Featured Chaos and Conflict

“As a result, they say, Gardner's stance could be hard to predict. Many assumed, for example, that a reform-minded prosecutor with an interest in ending mass incarceration would be more receptive than Joyce in re-evaluating cases they considered problematic or short on evidence. Instead, one of their first direct messages from Gardner was a staff-wide email chastising prosecutors for what she saw as a disturbing trend of staffers trying to reduce charges or dismiss cases, according to multiple people who received the email.“

Riverfront Times

September 12, 2018

ProsecutorsPhillip ReevesSeptember 12, 2018Riverfront Times, Kim Gardner, St LouisComment

St. Louis Voters Oust Prosecutor Who Didn’t Bring Charges In Cop Killing Of Michael Brown

"Ninety-five percent of elected prosecutors are white, and 79 percent are male. Only 1 percent of prosecutors are women of color. The majority of prosecutors — 85 percent — run for election unopposed. They are rarely punished for misconduct, and a 1976 Supreme Court ruling gives them absolute immunity from civil suits. "

Huffington Post

August 7, 2018

Police Violence, ProsecutorsAnthony BradleyAugust 8, 2018Huffington Post, St Louis, Missouri

Prosecutors

Galsworthy CJR Program

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