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California Attorney General Xavier Beccera faces criticism from criminal justice reformers

Another Democratic state attorney general is facing sharp criticism from activists for allegedly getting in the way of criminal justice reform and showing bad faith while doing so. Former Rep. Xavier Becerra (pictured), D-Los Angeles, was appointed in 2016 by

#MeToo activists, criminal justice reformers at odds over judge’s recall

Chris Reed June 13, 2018

The voters of Santa Clara County have spoken, and the judge who in 2016 gave a light sentence of six months in jail to a Stanford swimmer convicted of three counts of felony sexual assault was recalled last week. But

Chief justice continues bail reform push

Chris Reed May 30, 2018

Seven months after her office released sweeping recommendations for reform of California’s bail system, state Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye may have a chance to force changes without going through the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown. Last week, the state

Bold criminal justice reforms go nowhere in California Legislature

Chris Reed September 27, 2017

The 2017 session of the California Legislature may be remembered as when the criminal justice reform movement in America’s largest state lost its momentum. The movement entered the session with a head of steam after winning majority support from the

Criminal justice reform push losing momentum

Chris Reed August 30, 2017

Not only has it been a disappointing year for the lawmakers and civic leaders behind the recent push for sweeping reforms of California’s criminal justice system, their achievements are under harsh fire in Los Angeles County. Last December, Assemblyman Rob

Criminal justice reformers target punitive traffic tickets

Chris Reed June 9, 2017

California reformers seeking sweeping changes in the state’s criminal justice system have a new target: burdensome traffic tickets. The leading proponent of the proposal is California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. She is working on a plan to decriminalize

California lawmakers seek to revise parole reform law

Chris Reed January 31, 2017

Proposition 57 — the victorious November ballot measure sponsored by Gov. Jerry Brown — continues to spark controversy over its loose definition of “nonviolent” crimes. The proposition won easy approval despite harsh criticism from district attorneys around the state. The

Bail reform tops criminal-justice efforts in next legislative session

Steven Greenhut November 15, 2016

California has long been known as a law-and-order state, particularly following the crime spikes of the 1980s. The state passed the toughest “three strikes” law in the nation and state officials from both parties often have argued over who would

California voters defy trend – by voting as expected

Steven Greenhut November 9, 2016

SACRAMENTO – Whereas the national election results shocked and surprised pollsters and many media observers, California’s results from Election Day conformed almost exactly to pre-election polls and predictions. Some of the big races were foregone conclusions, such as Attorney General

Prop. 57’s success depends on troubled agency

Chris Reed November 9, 2016

Proposition 57, which amends the California Constitution to make it easier for some felons to win release from state prison, coasted to victory Tuesday, winning more than 60 percent of the vote in initial statewide tallies and giving Gov. Jerry Brown