Why Are Prosecutors Choosing To Protect Criminals At The Expense Of Their Victims?

The controversial issue of "rogue prosecutors," who are district attorneys accused of adopting lenient policies toward criminal offenses, often motivated by a belief in prison abolitionism. These sources highlight the negative consequences of these policies, arguing that they lead to higher crime rates and increased suffering for victims and communities. The authors, who include former federal prosecutors, victims of crime, and experts on policing, criticize the emphasis on racial disparities in the criminal justice system, asserting that prioritizing the rights of the accused over the safety of the community ultimately harms minority communities the most. The texts further challenge the narrative of mass incarceration, arguing that the United States is not overly punitive and that the majority of those released from prison re-offend, demonstrating the need for more robust prosecution.

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Briefing Doc: Soft-on-Crime Policies and the Rise of Rogue Prosecutors

Main Themes:

This document presents a scathing critique of the "rogue prosecutor" movement and its alleged detrimental impact on public safety in America. It argues that these prosecutors, often backed by wealthy donors like George Soros, are ideologically driven to dismantle the criminal justice system under the guise of combating systemic racism and mass incarceration. Their policies, the document claims, have emboldened criminals, demoralized law enforcement, and left communities vulnerable to escalating crime rates.

Key Arguments & Facts:

1. The "Rogue Prosecutor" Phenomenon: The document identifies a pattern of prosecutors across the US – individuals like Alvin Bragg in Manhattan, George Gascon in Los Angeles, Kim Fox in Chicago, and Chesa Boudin in San Francisco – who adopt lenient policies that prioritize the rights of criminals over the safety of communities. These policies include dismissing charges, reducing sentences, and refusing to prosecute certain offenses.

2. Ideological Roots: The document traces the origins of this movement to the "prison abolition movement," a leftist academic ideology advocating for the complete dismantling of the prison system. It cites Angela Davis' book, "Are Prisons Obsolete?" and quotes abolitionist activists who envision a society based on cooperation and mutual aid rather than punishment.

3. Impact on Crime Rates: The document argues that the policies promoted by rogue prosecutors directly contribute to increased crime rates. It highlights the concerns of law enforcement officials and former federal prosecutors who argue that criminals adapt their behavior to exploit these lenient policies.

4. Debunking the "Mass Incarceration" Myth: The document challenges the narrative of systemic racism and mass incarceration, asserting that these claims are statistically flawed. It cites Raphael Mangual, an expert at the Manhattan Institute, who argues that the average state prisoner has a lengthy criminal history and that recidivism rates remain high, suggesting that the current system is not overly punitive.

5. Real-World Consequences: The document presents several examples of how these policies have allegedly led to tragic consequences, including:

• The murder of Sergeant Hassan Korea in New York City.

• The closure of an In-N-Out Burger in Oakland due to rampant crime.

• The murder of Kate Steinle in San Francisco by an undocumented immigrant with a history of deportations.

• The murder of Wicomico County Sheriff's Deputy Glenn Hilliard by a career criminal who was out on the streets due to lenient prosecution.

1. Alternative Approaches: The document advocates for a return to traditional law enforcement and prosecutorial practices that prioritize community safety and hold criminals accountable. It highlights the views of prosecutors like Anne Marie Schubert in Sacramento and Summer Stephan in San Diego, who emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of victims.

2. Pushback Against Rogue Prosecutors: The document celebrates the growing public awareness of the dangers posed by rogue prosecutors and highlights successful efforts to recall or vote them out of office. It mentions the recalls of Chesa Boudin in San Francisco and the decisions of Kim Fox in Chicago and Marilyn Mosby in Baltimore not to seek re-election.

Quotes:

• Madeline Bra, mother of Sergeant Hassan Korea: "Two of the homicidal maniacs responsible for my son's death had their gang assault and murder charges completely dismissed. I later learned that Alvin Bragg often dismisses and reduces dangerous criminals."

• Raphael Mangual, Manhattan Institute: "The average State prisoner in the United States when they are released from prison already has 10 and a half prior arrests and nearly five prior convictions."

• Heather MacDonald, Manhattan Institute: "It is not a moral Panic to be concerned about the lawlessness that has broken out since 2020. It is realism. Public sees that lawlessness every time another store is looted and another criminal is set free after an assault to attack again again."

• Tashika Hilliard, wife of Deputy Glenn Hilliard: "He's gone because of the prosecution or lack thereof that took place… Had they just done their job and had the intestinal fortitude to do what was right, our Deputy will be here today.”

• Anne Marie Schubert, Sacramento DA: "It is a noble profession imbued with the solemn responsibility as the gatekeeper to our system of justice… We are at the end of the day the conscious of a community and the protector of the public. It is a calling to Justice.”

Overall Impression:

The document presents a compelling, albeit one-sided, narrative about the dangers of the rogue prosecutor movement. It relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and emotionally charged language to bolster its claims. While it raises important concerns about the impact of criminal justice reform, the document lacks a nuanced discussion of the complex factors contributing to crime and the potential benefits of some reform efforts.