Philadelphia — Social and Economic Issues — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

Unlikely supporters of ending the death penalty in Pa. and beyond? Prosecutors. | Opinion

“Against this backdrop, elected prosecutors are increasingly speaking out against the death penalty — from State Attorney Aramis Ayala in Orlando to District Attorney Dan Satterberg in Seattle to Larry Krasner in Philadelphia. And while the Pennsylvania Supreme Court failed to embrace this reform, the 28 other states where this penalty remains in place can choose to begin the work of healing their communities by ending one of our nation’s ugliest legacies.“

Philadelphia Inquirer

October 7, 2019

Death RowPhillip ReevesOctober 7, 2019Philadelphia, Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania, Larry KrasnerComment

Philadelphia D.A. Larry Krasner Argues PA Death Penalty Is Unconstitutional

“"Where nearly three out of every four death sentences have been overturned—after years of litigation at significant taxpayer expense—there can be no confidence that capital punishment has been carefully reserved for the most culpable defendants, as our Constitution requires," the office wrote in its brief. "Where a majority of death sentenced defendants have been represented by poorly compensated, poorly supported court-appointed attorneys, there is a significant likelihood that capital punishment has not been reserved for the 'worst of the worst.'"“

Reason Magazine

July 15, 2019

Death RowPhillip ReevesJuly 15, 2019Reason Magazine, Larry Krasner, Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaComment

Progressive Philly D.A. Krasner's Bail Reform Plans Seem Stalled, Advocates Say

“Though Krasner’s office has made it clear that bail reform is a work in progress and advocates acknowledge some improvements, staff and volunteers at organizations that work directly with defendants say they are surprised at how slowly it’s moving.“

The Appeal

June 25, 2019

Bail ReformPhillip ReevesJune 25, 2019The Appeal, Philadelphia, Larry KrasnerComment

Video Hearings: The Choice 'Between Efficiency and Rights'

“After someone is arrested but not yet convicted of a crime, the next step is to appear before a judge, magistrate, or bail commissioner, who decides whether to release the person or require that they post bail in order to go free until the court date. But in Philadelphia, those arrested don’t physically appear in a courtroom during that crucial first hearing. Instead, they stay in the police booking center and their images and voices are sent to the judge, prosecutor, and public defender by video.“

The Appeal

June 5, 2019

Bail ReformPhillip ReevesJune 5, 2019The Appeal, PhiladelphiaComment

200 elderly lifers got out of prison en masse. Here’s what happened next.

“The results are in, according to a study from Justice Policy Institute (JPI), a Washington-based nonprofit. The Ungers, as they’re called, have clocked a recidivism rate of just 3 percent. Researchers have found that on average, two-thirds of the state prisoners in the United States are arrested again within three years of release; about half are reincarcerated. JPI estimates the state’s averted costs at close to $1 million per individual released.“

Philadelphia Inquirer

December 12, 2018

Mass IncarcerationPhillip ReevesDecember 12, 2018Philadelphia, Philadelphia InquirerComment

Excessive bail is unjust, even in a baby homicide case | Opinion

"Justice doesn’t require sympathy. You don’t need to feel for Jones. However, if you believe that excessive cash bail is unjust, you should advocate for Jones even though she might be found criminally responsible for the death of her baby. Justice and due process should not be limited to defendants in nonviolent cases or cases that don’t make our stomach turn."

Philadelphia Inquirer

July 23, 2018

Bail ReformAnthony BradleyJuly 31, 2018Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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