Justice Newzzz
no officers charged in Daniel Prudes death; a cultural of police violence in Austin's training; prison mail facing increased surveillance — your weekly justice news
News
justice delayed: The pandemic is back logging criminal cases, leaving victim’s families waiting for court justice. Time (Feb. 22, 2021)
dragged back: A court battle freed them from prison, but three years later after reintegrating home, they are getting sent back after the courts changed their mind. The Marshall Project (Feb. 26, 2021)
denied a jury of your peers: Black jurors were exclude from a jury in a man who’s on death row’s case. A judge ruled their crafting of the jury pool was fine. The Appeal (Feb. 25, 2021)
embedded: In the progressive city of Austin, an audit revealed a culture of violence within the police department’s training. Texas Observer (Feb. 15, 2021)
“At one point we were writing essays about why we wanted to be cops, and one of the instructors said, ‘If you tell me that it’s because you want to help people, I’m going to punch you in the face,’” Spisak recalls. “I was devastated, I literally came home and cried that night. That’s exactly why I wanted to be there, why any police officer should be there.”
full picture: A new bill would allow defendants to present evidence of mental health of disability at the time of a crime to juries. The Appeal (Feb. 24, 2021)
not just the boys: “While Black men and boys do account for an overwhelming percentage of police killings, the sole focus on this demographic renders invisible Black girls’ experiences with law enforcement, and obscures how police brutality includes not just lethal violence, but non-fatal physical assault and sexual violence.” Prism (Feb. 22, 2021)
not indicted, again: After a spit head led to the suffocation of a man in a mental health episode in Rochester, NY, no criminal charges have been leveled against the cops who responded by a grand jury. The Appeal (Feb. 23, 2021)
surveillance: A pilot program under Trump eliminated paper mail in prisons by scanning the letters - Biden hasn’t stopped it. Prospect (Feb. 24, 2021)
an essay about a little celly with four legs and antennas | AL is killing a disabled Black man - a backward step | Biden’s AG pick could bring bail reform to the Federal system | Mar. 1-6 week against mass incarceration hosted by National Lawyer’s Guild students
COVID-19 resources: State policy changes. News. Bureau of Prisons updates. State court changes. Prison holistic self care and protection.
We want to hear from you about how COVcID-19 is impacting you and the people connected to you. What is not being talked about? What story do you have that needs to be heard? Who do you want answers or explanations from? Please reach out to tips@thedes1790.com.