A 2020 California law allowing judges to dismiss certain misdemeanor cases has led to some drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter avoiding criminal and DMV records, sparking concerns about accountability and the impact on victims' families, as the law prioritizes reducing stigma over potential consequences for serious traffic crimes.
The article exposes how flat-fee contracts with private law firms like Fitzgerald, Alvarez and Ciummo undermine the quality of public defense in rural California, leading to inadequate legal representation for the poor, increased wrongful convictions, and a system that favors cost-cutting over justice, with little oversight or funding from the state.
Since New York's 2017 'Raise the Age' law aimed to divert 16- and 17-year-olds from adult courts to juvenile facilities, data shows overall youth crime has decreased as a share of total crime, despite a rise in youth-involved shootings and firearm possession cases, possibly due to legal provisions that make gun possession cases more likely to be handled in Family Court. The law has not led to an increase in youth crime overall, but specific issues like gun violence among youth have emerged, highlighting the need for nuanced policy adjustments.
Kim Kardashian, after failing the California bar exam, remains committed to becoming a lawyer, motivated by her passion for criminal justice reform and her family's legal legacy, despite not yet passing the exam after six years of study.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Rolling Stone
Kim Kardashian announced she did not pass the California bar exam after taking it in July, despite her ongoing efforts to become a lawyer and her advocacy for criminal justice reform. She remains committed to passing the exam and continuing her legal journey, which has been featured on her reality show and includes previous success in passing the baby bar.
Kim Kardashian revealed she did not pass the California Bar Exam after her first attempt in July 2025 but remains determined to pass, continuing her law journey and advocating for criminal justice reform. She graduated from law school in May and has expressed her commitment to becoming a licensed attorney despite the challenges.
Kim Kardashian revealed she did not pass the California bar exam after multiple attempts but remains committed to her legal studies and career goals, including criminal justice reform. She is also currently portraying a lawyer in the Hulu show 'All's Fair,' despite mixed reviews.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed a law reforming criminal justice policies, including banning cashless bail for certain crimes and addressing capital punishment, in response to the murder of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte train, despite criticisms for lacking broader safety measures and mental health funding.
The North Carolina legislature passed Iryna's Law, a bill named after a woman fatally stabbed on Charlotte's light rail, which aims to reform pretrial release conditions and revive the death penalty, amidst political debate and public outrage over the attack.
The U.S. House voted to pass bills allowing 14-year-olds to be tried as adults and restricting judicial discretion in D.C., reflecting Republican efforts to overhaul the city's criminal justice system amid ongoing federal interference and opposition from local officials and Democrats.
A Minnesota man, Bryan Hooper Sr., wrongly convicted of murder in 1998 and serving nearly 27 years, has been released after a woman confessed to the crime and recanted her testimony, leading to the vacating of his conviction.
President Donald Trump signed executive orders aimed at ending cashless bail, citing concerns over public safety, though data shows bail reform does not increase crime and can benefit individuals and families by reducing pre-trial detention. Critics argue the move is driven by fear-mongering and could lead to higher correctional costs and negative impacts on justice, while supporters highlight the benefits of bail reform in promoting fairness and safety.
Kim Kardashian publicly criticized ICE raids and deportations in the U.S., highlighting the impact on innocent and hardworking immigrants, amid nearly 200,000 deportations since Trump took office, and advocating for more humane immigration policies.
Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have been imprisoned for over 30 years for the 1989 murder of their parents, are undergoing separate parole hearings following a resentencing that reduced their sentences. Their chances of early release are being considered by a California parole board, with final approval resting with Governor Gavin Newsom. The brothers' case has garnered renewed media attention and public support, amid broader criminal justice reforms increasing parole opportunities in California.
Mary Moriarty announced she will not seek a second term as Hennepin County attorney, citing a desire to focus on her reform initiatives and avoid media coverage that overshadows her work. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to implement data-driven, equitable criminal justice policies, despite facing criticism and controversy. She believes her reforms will have a lasting impact and plans to continue influencing public safety through other avenues.