Justice Newzzz
New law sheds light on Richmond's violent police dogs; 300+ COVID case outbreak in WI prisons; hacked documents reveal DC police were protected from firing by panel of peers — your weekly Justice News
held indefinitely: Todd Robinson has spent over four years in pre-trial detention in Pennsylvania despite rule 600 guaranteeing a speedy trial. PIJN (date)
Completely free reign: A new investigation from hacked documents reveal that D.C. police tried to fire at least 24 officers currently still on the force from 2009 to 2019. In ALL but THREE of those cases a panel of fellow police officers blocked termination and issued an average of a 29-day suspension without pay. Dcist and Reveal (Dec. 18, 2021)
guilty again: Derek Chauvin’s sentence for murdering George Floyd was extend to 25 years after he plead guilty to violating Floyd’s rights. New York Times (Dec. 15, 2021)
‘the only way to leave is in a pine box’: Louisiana spent over $100 million last year in medical expenses for people in prison. Part of that is due to a growing number of elderly lifers, 80% of which are over 40. The Marshall Project (Dec. 17, 2021)
justified: Bozeman Police Department determined officers acted within their power during a September arrest in where an officer punched a woman and another held her to the ground with his knee. Bozeman Daily Chronicle (date)
ACAB, maybe: Burlington cut its police force by 30%, but alternatives for non-violent issues did not grow quick enough to fill the gap. The result has been some community members feeling less safe. NBC News (Dec. 19, 2021)
outbreak: COVID-19 outbreaks hitting Wisconsin prison system again; 300+ new cases. The Journal Times (Dec. 18, 2021)
new law breaks into police records: A lawsuit under Senate Bill 1421 in California, made 73 police dog bites public information after the Richmond department claimed only 13 cases existed. Mercury News (Dec. 19, 2021)
rights restored: Oregon legislators will try again to restore the voting rights to people serving time for felonies. If passed 12,000 to 15,000 people could vote some while they were in jails and prisons. News from the States (Dec. 16, 2021)
intensifying: Rikers’ detainees say the lack of rec time outside is making already inhumane conditions even worse. Gothamist
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opinion: thousands of incarcerated people deserve to come home. here’s how prosecutors can help | Writing Is My Main Freedom. One Day My Work Disappeared | TO UNDERSTAND GUN VIOLENCE, TALK TO PEOPLE IN THE TRENCHES |
COVID-19 resources: State policy changes. News. Bureau of Prisons updates. State court changes. Prison holistic self care and protection. Jailhouse Lawyers Handbook.
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