Prosecutorial Institutionalism

George Gascón has publicly stated that he will refuse to enforce key parts of California’s Penal Code that are mandated by both constitutional and statutory authority. He recently promised certain fringe groups, including one that advocates for the abolishment of prisons, that he would not enforce gang crimes and enhancements, California’s Three Strikes law, or […]

Gascón Asked To Release His LAPD Personnel File

In a blistering commentary, former Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard Parks outlined George Gascón’s actions as an LAPD Command Officer and told the public, ” DA Candidate George Gascon is Not Who He Says He is.”  In support of his conclusion, Parks specifically cited one particular casethat “horrified” him while he was serving as Chief […]

Evolving or Catering? Gascón and Gangs

Ever the opportunist, L.A. District Attorney candidate George Gascón is continuing his disinformation campaign with the hope of winning over progressives. This time, his sights are set on the gang enhancement. This enhancement, first enacted in 1988 in the midst of a gang crime wave throughout California, ensured gang motivated crimes received tougher sentences. With 10,000 gang-related homicides in California from 1981-2001, 75% […]

Who is Afraid of Judicial Review?

On March 2, 2019, the Los Angeles Times editorial board attacked district attorneys as craven politicians out to maximize punitive sentences. The reason for the attack is because a number of district attorneys have challenged the constitutionality of a law enacted by the state Legislature. The law, enacted pursuant to Senate Bill 1391, prohibits the transfers of 14 and 15-year olds to […]

The “No Consequences for Crime” Bill

It is hard to believe, but it is the truth; should Governor Brown sign into law SB 1437, criminals in California can no longer be punished for the natural and probable consequences of violent crimes they knowingly aided and encouraged. SB 1437 was ostensibly introduced by Senator Skinner to abolish the application of accomplice felony murder rule […]

Don’t Let Misleading Arguments Influence Bail Reform

On Feb. 5, San Francisco’s public defender, Jeffrey Adachi, wrote an op-ed for the L.A. Times criticizing judges’ and prosecutors’ bail use in California. His main piece of evidence was the case of People v. Humphrey. Mr. Adachi summarized the Humphrey case facts as follows: Humphrey, a senior citizen, stole $5 and a bottle of […]

It’s Time to Deal with Recidivism

California needs a comprehensive approach to lowering incarceration rates – a plan that will not only lower incarceration levels, but preserve the historically low crime rates we currently enjoy. Sacramento’s current approach to this problem is mass early-release for felons – potentially at the expensive of public safety. A more ambitious and effective strategy – […]

Note the Missing Word……Victims

As crime rates rise and victims continue to be marginalized by some state legislators, the Los Angeles Times again provided a “criminal justice reform” advocate with a platform to expound on how the system is too harsh.  This time it was Fordham law professor John Pfaff, who blamed budgetary incentives and the dark forces of prosecutors as reasons why […]

A Rush to Judgment Poses a Public Safety Threat

If you need any further proof that state legislators do not value public safety, considerSenate Bill 10 (SB 10)  and Assembly Bill 41 (AB 41) which will change our current bail system. Make no mistake, there is a problem with our current bail system. There is no question that it is unfair to the poor. Nor does it […]