But that could just as easily have come from President Donald Trump. Through a series of flagrantly unconstitutional executive orders, Trump has sought to silence the opposition. This culminated with an executive order demanding that the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security investigate former administration officials who pushed back against Trump’s frivolous claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
The Framers understood the danger of a despotic regime and regarded the criminal jury trial as a key procedural safeguard to help ensure that only those acts and individuals society deemed truly culpable result in criminal punishment. This is of particular importance today — in a nation plagued by rampant overcriminalization and coercive plea bargaining — where often all that stands between us and a criminal record is a prosecutor’s decision to charge.
— Read on www.cato.org/commentary/lets-empower-jurors-halt-injustice
Tag: Criminal Justice System
Law Enforcement Think Tanks Podcast Series
Check out this podcast series offered from the National Law Enforcement Museum. There are 5 different podcasts available. If “play all” was used the podcast will play through all the 5 different podcasts and keep the listener’s place when the podcast is stopped.
The podcasts are available HERE
We Still Need to Defund and Abolish the Police
“Defund the Police” came into the spotlight during the 2020 George Floyd uprisings. Despite what conservatives and pro-police propagandists say, “defund” never happened. But it should—because the police aren’t here to keep you safe.
— Read on www.currentaffairs.org/news/we-still-need-to-defund-and-abolish-the-police
Police Reform Backlash on 5th Anniversary of George Floyd | The Marshall Project
As reforms stall in some states, the U.S. Supreme Court just made it easier for police to be sued — and perhaps easier for police to defend themselves.
— Read on www.themarshallproject.org/2025/05/17/george-floyd-police-reforms-stall
Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative-Breaking the 71%: A Path Toward Racial Equity in the Criminal Legal System
OAG and OPD Release Groundbreaking Report on Racial Disparities in Maryland’s Criminal Legal System
Attorney General Anthony Brown, in partnership with Public Defender Natasha Dartigue, is proud to announce the release of the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative’s inaugural report, “Breaking the 71%: A Path Toward Racial Equity in the Criminal Legal System.”
This comprehensive study addresses the alarming reality that Black Marylanders, while comprising only 30% of our state’s population, represent 71% of those incarcerated in our correctional facilities—the highest such disparity nationwide.
The report presents 18 evidence-based recommendations to reform law enforcement practices, criminal sentencing, health services, detention policies, reentry programs, education, and youth justice. These recommendations reflect input from state agencies, community organizations, academic institutions, and directly impacted individuals. View the full report
Newsom to cities: Make certain homeless encampments illegal – CalMatters
In his latest push to crack down on encampments, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants cities to make homeless Californians move every three days.
— Read on calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2025/05/newsom-encampment-sweep-ordinance/
Annual Probation Survey and Annual Parole Survey | Bureau of Justice Statistics
Collect administrative data from probation and parole agencies in the United States. Data collected include the total number of adults on state and federal probation and parole on January 1 and December 31 of each year, the number of adults entering and exiting probation and parole supervision each year, and the characteristics of adults under the supervision of probation and parole agencies. Published data include both national- and state-level data. The surveys cover all 50 states, the federal system, and the District of Columbia. They began in 1980 and are conducted annually.
— Read on bjs.ojp.gov/data-collection/annual-probation-survey-and-annual-parole-survey
Spotlight on Criminal Justice: Supporting Law Enforcement and Safer Communities – May – R Street Institute
Make sure to checkout the links in this article. Excellent resources.
Spotlight on Criminal Justice: Supporting Law Enforcement and Safer Communities – May – R Street Institute
— Read on www.rstreet.org/commentary/spotlight-on-criminal-justice-supporting-law-enforcement-and-safer-communities-may/
BCSP OWHR 0003: Birmingham City Council, incident of June 2023 – GOV.UK
Interesting UK version of a homicide review. Might be a useful training tool.
Offensive weapons homicide review conducted by West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council and NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board.
— Read on www.gov.uk/government/publications/bcsp-owhr-0003-birmingham-city-council-incident-of-june-2023
California sheriff slams student lawsuit against police who shut down protests | Fox News
Sheriff Chad Bianco provides excellent reasoning on why it is important for police intervention during campus takeovers. Sheriff Bianco make the point why it’s important for police to intervene early.
UCLA students and Los Angeles community members have filed a lawsuit against local police, alleging they ‘attacked’ campus protesters in May 2024. A police union is firing back.
— Read on www.foxnews.com/us/california-sheriff-slams-meritless-ucla-student-lawsuit-against-police-who-dismantled-anti-israel-encampment.amp
