Key Points
Prosecutors across the country have shown the incredible potential of prosecutorial reform. But they cannot reach these heights alone. Legislatures must get involved by rewriting the law and adjusting appropriations to ensure that prosecutors have the tools, authority and discretion necessary to transform prosecution.
A critical component of prosecutorial reform is improving the exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Internal policies go a long way to this end, but legislative action is still required to alter laws that place undue burdens on prosecutors, such as those criminalizing minor conduct, requiring prosecutors to rule on local police actions and interfering with a defendant’s juvenile status.
Prosecutors do not operate on an island. They are dependent on a host of outside actors and supports in order to achieve their goals. Key external partners like public defenders and programs like comprehensive data collection require legislative action to successfully support prosecutorial reform efforts.
Prosecutorial efforts can only realize their lofty potential for positive change with the active and enduring support of state legislatures.
Press release: How Legislators Can Support Prosecutorial Reform
Image credit: Aerial Mike
Featured Publications
Chris McIsaac
April 23, 2024
Sarah Anderson, Jillian Snider
April 18, 2024
Stacey McKenna
April 18, 2024
Logan Seacrest, Jillian Snider
April 16, 2024
Chelsea Boyd
April 11, 2024
Stacey McKenna
April 11, 2024
Stacey McKenna
March 18, 2024
Stacey McKenna
March 15, 2024