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 use of bogus documents to alter the course of justice is clearly a bigger threat to the civilized order than many a crime that occupies the attention of Cannizzaro's enforcers. And this was no aberration, because they had been playing this trick for many years. Malice does not come much more forethought than this.“
The Advocate
March 13, 2019
Read More"Most DA offices, however, just pocket the money and run, according to the enter. They “do not screen tickets, counsel motorists or provide any rehabilitative programming,” according to the complaint. They do, however, charge enough to realize a handsome profit, which provides a significant subsidy for their other operations. In some cases, traffic ticket diversion fees account for half the DA's overall budget. Some district attorneys make sure the money keeps rolling in by hiring off-duty cops just to pull drivers over."
The Advocate
June 23, 2018
Read More"The push to require Louisiana juries to return unanimous verdicts has resulted in some unusual alliances in Baton Rouge, with Tea Party Republicans lining up alongside members of the Legislative Black Caucus to demand change."
The Advocate
May 12, 2018
Read More"Oregon for 84 years has shared a constitutional quirk with Louisiana that allows criminal trials to be decided by non-unanimous juries. In every other state — and the federal court system — juries must reach unanimous verdicts in felony cases, whether convicting a serial arsonist or acquitting a low-level drug dealer...That is not the case here, to the shock and chagrin of many locals."
The Advocate
May 12, 2018
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