Tag

Legalreform

All articles tagged with #legalreform

law1 year ago

New York's Clean Slate Act: A Fresh Start for Sealed Records

New York's Clean Slate Law, which seals criminal records for those who have stayed out of the legal system for a specified period, took effect, making New York one of 12 states with such legislation. The law aims to improve public safety and economic opportunities by preventing discrimination against individuals with criminal records, though it excludes serious offenses like sex crimes and Class A felonies. While praised by Governor Hochul, the law faced opposition from some lawmakers who argue it undermines public safety.

politicslegal2 years ago

"New Mexico AG Advises Legal Reforms in Wake of Unprosecutable Fake Electors"

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated that under current law, the state's Republican electors who submitted false election certificates in 2020 cannot be prosecuted. However, he is recommending legislative changes to prevent and penalize such actions in the future. This comes amidst broader investigations and indictments in other states where GOP electors have faced charges for similar actions. Torrez's proposals aim to enhance electoral security, but GOP critics argue that these efforts are unnecessary political maneuvers.

law-and-government2 years ago

"Examining Jury Decisions in the Wake of Police Accountability Trials"

The outcomes of jury trials for police officers and paramedics charged with crimes related to deaths in custody have been inconsistent, reflecting the nation's ongoing struggle with police accountability. While some have been convicted, such as two paramedics in Elijah McClain's case, others have been acquitted or faced mistrials, as seen in the case of Manuel Ellis. These mixed results come despite increased charges following high-profile incidents and public pressure for reform. Legal experts note a rise in charges but recognize juries' hesitance to convict officers for split-second decisions during violent encounters. The article highlights the complexity of each case and the broader implications for the criminal justice system and police reform efforts.