Justice Newzzz
Wealthy Californians put money toward progressive justice legislation; the lack of proper dental care for incarcerated people has painful consequences — your weekly justice news
News
in agreement: U.S. senators voted unanimously to increase funds and resources for the Crime Victims Fund after the program was close to bankruptcy. The bill is now on its way to Biden. The Hill (July 20, 2021)
unreasonable expectations: Police departments around the country have appointed Black women as their chiefs after attempting to address police brutality or racism. Black women are already leading figures in the fight for racial equity and have now been tasked to fix institutions that add to the problem. VICE (July 20, 2021)
empty promises: Despite campaign claims that Biden would work to end mass incarceration and invest in prison alternatives, the number of people in federal prison has only grown since his inauguration. Critics say that criminal justice is clearly not a priority for the administration. Mother Jones (July 21, 2021)
excruciating indifference: Hesitancy to treat incarcerated people’s dental issues is rampant in the U.S. and many prisons have strict rules surrounding when and what kind of treatment people can receive. Dental neglect can cause lots of pain for people in prison but officials have said it is lawful. The Marshall Project (July 22, 2021)
lawless enforcement: The Bronx Defenders sued New York City and the NYPD for repeatedly breaking a law that prohibits police for opening sealed arrest records to prevent discrimination. Breaking this law harms poor people and people of color and is encouraged by officers responsible for training. The Intercept (July 21, 2021)
a dollar’s worth: After officers used excessive force on Vanessa Peoples in her Colorado home, the government fell back on its standard way of compensating victims—financial settlements. But money can’t solve every problem and it doesn’t hold officers or their departments accountable at all. The Denver Post (July 19, 2021)
justice revamp: Major funds from four wealthy donors have helped to support progressive criminal justice measures and aligned candidates in California. All of the donors have placed their support behind current AG Rob Bonta in next year’s attorney general election. Politico (July 17, 2021)
insincerity: Last year amidst protests, the Colorado Supreme Court promised to uphold justice in the courts. But not long after, the court rejected a proposal to end the legal standard that makes it easy for attorneys to exclude people of color from juries. The Colorado Sun (July 21, 2021)
contentious courtroom: Harvey Weinstein pleaded not guilty to 11 sexual assault charges in Los Angeles last Wednesday. His attorneys have filed an appeal claiming that there was a biased judge and juror. He will appear in court again on Thursday. CNN (July 21, 2021)
discouraging: Thousands of people released early from federal prisons because of the coronavirus pandemic will have to return, according to Biden's legal team. Advocates are frustrated with the administration's unkept promises and recent policies toward criminal justice. New York Times (July 19, 2021)
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opinion: juvenile justice failure | Johnniqua Charles accidentally provided the soundtrack for a video celebrating Joe Biden. He could learn a lot from hearing her story. | Will You Ever Change? Can face-to-face meetings between a victim and an abuser help a society overwhelmed with bad behavior? | Opinion: I was sent back to jail for going to a computer class. It’s time to act on home confinement
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