Tag Archive for "criminal justice"

Posts Tagged criminal justice

More Rape and Sexual Assault Survivors Seek Civil Remedies

Some survivors of sexual assault and rape are finding that the criminal justice system fails, which it does… alot, civil suits are easier to pursue.

By Chloe Angyal • 9 years ago

Australian state considers police body cams in domestic violence cases

One Australian state is considering legislation that would allow police to wear body mounted cameras when entering domestic violence scenes, and allowing for the use of the recordings they collect in court proceedings.

New South Wales – the most populous state in the nation – is the first to consider this kind of legislation, under which, “video statements from the victim, taken at the scene, and powerful video footage taken in the immediate aftermath of domestic violence incidents, will be used as evidence in court cases.”

New ...

By Maya Dusenbery • 9 years ago

Teens create new app to hold police accountable

As Ferguson continues to reel after Michael Brown’s death and the police threaten to shoot journalists and tear gas children, three badass teenage coders from Georgia have developed a timely mobile app to hold police accountable.

Five-O, created by siblings Ima, Asha, and Caleb Christian, allows users to detail their encounters with police officers and rate them on their professionalism. Anyone can check how their community stacks up and the information will be sent to law enforcement. “We’d like to know which regions in the US provide horrible law enforcement services as well as highlight the agencies that are highly rated by their citizens, explained senior Ima.” In addition to putting more power into the hands of citizens ...

By Katie Halper • 10 years ago

On R. Kelly, Lady Gaga, and redemption narratives: A conversation with Salamishah Tillet, Ph.D.

On Tuesday R. Kelly shared the tracklist and artwork for his subtly titled Black Panties album, which comes out December 10. The album cover, which Kelly released Tuesday, features the artist literally playing a topless woman as if she were a cello, bow and all. This, of course, is hardly shocking, given Kelly’s recent performance with Lady Gaga on Saturday Night Live, in which the two simulated having sex. Though the video went viral and set the internets abuzz with articles and blog posts, an important element was shockingly absent from the discussion: rape culture. Jenn M. Jackson, who called Gaga a rape apologist, was a notable exception.

For me, it wasn’t the simulated sex that I ...

By Sesali B. • 10 years ago

The Wednesday Weigh-In: Is public shaming a good alternative to incarceration?

This is definitely a slippery slope. But when I read about Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Pinkey Carr sentencing those found guilty in his courtroom to public shamings I thought to myself: I’d take it. Although I’ve never been sentenced to jail time, I’ve spent more than enough time behind bars (2 days to be exact; college) to know that some time on a corner with a sign is a better option.

There is are definitely some critique of the practices, especially those concerning the safety of those placed on public display after committing crimes that involve other people. Also, understanding that people of color are often disproportionately targeted and policed by law enforcement, this practice could easily become ...

By Katie Halper • 10 years ago

Daily Feminist Cheat Sheet

Happy 93rd birthday, 19th Amendment! (Sorry we’re a day late.) Thanks for giving women the right to vote! (And sorry Republicans are trying to go backwards and limit, instead of expand suffrage.)

This condition causes women to give birth to stillborn babies, suffer incontinence and creates a strong and unpleasant smell that results in women being shunned by their partners and society. It affects 2 million women. And here is what you can do about it.

Check out this new paper on prison alternatives for youth.

Victim’s dilemma: 911 call can bring eviction.

The responsibility to protect a campus shouldn’t fall on survivors.

#intersectionalityisfortwitter

New Jersey becomes the second state, after California, to

Happy 93rd birthday, 19th Amendment! (Sorry we’re a day late.) Thanks for giving women the right to vote! (And sorry Republicans are trying to go backwards and limit, instead of expand suffrage.)

This condition causes ...

By zerlina • 10 years ago

Attorney General Eric Holder announces new treatment for non-violent drug offenders

Yesterday, in addition to the court ruling on stop-and-frisk, there was other news with regards to civil rights. Speaking at a national gathering of the American Bar Association, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that he will review the criminal justice system and push for legislation that adjusts the archaic mandatory minimums for drug offenders as well as a directive for all U.S. attorneys to draft charges in non-violent drug offenses and possession cases, that do not trigger mandatory minimum sentences.

As a reader of this site, we all are aware that the criminal justice system and the so-called “war on drugs” in particular has a discriminatory impact on black and brown bodies. These changes are a continuation of the work that ...

By Syreeta McFadden • 10 years ago

“If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon”

Today, closing arguments by the prosecution for the Zimmerman trial have begun.

And I’m going to be honest with you, I’m not optimistic about the outcome of the George Zimmerman trial. I’ve watched the proceedings at a comfortable distance for the past two weeks and followed some smart observations from Mychal, Jelani Cobb, and Jonathan Capehart. Prior to the trial’s start, I had an opportunity to discuss some of my reservations with Zerlina on Sirius XM’s “The Urban View.” My principle concerns then, as it is now, are closing arguments and jury instruction.

Real talk: if you ever get a jury summons, do not begrudge the opportunity. If you’re (un)fortunate enough to get ...

Today, closing arguments by the prosecution for the Zimmerman trial have begun.

And I’m going to be honest with you, I’m not optimistic about the outcome of the George Zimmerman trial. I’ve watched the proceedings ...