Philadelphia case could clear the way for safe injection sites
NOV. 16, 2020 – As both the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic rage on across the United States with devastating consequences, a federal appellate court is hearing arguments in a case to allow Safehouse, a Philadelphia nonprofit organization, to open the country’s first overdose prevention site. Harm reduction strategies are essential as COVID cases and overdoses continue to rise, and in this op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, Chittenden County (VT) State’s Attorney Sarah George, and FJP Executive Director Miriam Krinsky share why these sites are needed now more than ever.
“Far too many lives have already been lost. Philadelphia needs Safehouse today, just as San Francisco and other cities around the nation – and our entire country – need a new path forward toward ending the overdose epidemic.”
Barrett confirmation means Roe is at risk, and prosecutors need to step up
OCT. 26, 2020 – More than 20 states have already enacted restrictive abortion laws, many with harsh criminal penalties of up to 100 years in prison for performing, having, or assisting someone in obtaining an abortion. With a conservative supermajority now on the Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade’s future increasingly uncertain, FJP Executive Director Miriam Krinsky underscores the role prosecutors can play on the front lines of reproductive justice in this op-ed in USA Today.
“If Roe falls, prosecutors will be the last line of defense…With the future of Roe now less certain than ever, we urge more elected prosecutors to join their colleagues in taking a stand to protect everyone in our communities by disavowing efforts to criminalize personal health care choices. Failing to do so endangers us all.”
Failures of grand jury process evident in Breonna Taylor case
OCT. 16, 2020 – The Breonna Taylor case provides a stark illustration of the failings of the grand jury process in officer-involved shooting investigations. While grand juries return indictments in the vast majority of cases presented to them, in cases of alleged police misconduct indictments are rare. In this USA Today op-ed, FJP Executive Director Miriam Krinsky shares ideas on grand jury reforms, as well as steps prosecutors can take to make grand juries more transparent and just.
“Elected prosecutors can lead the way now, whether by enhancing independent investigation of these cases, providing reports detailing decision making, releasing grand jury transcripts or moving away from grand juries entirely…”
Local prosecutors are now the last defense against voter suppression and Election Day chaos
OCT. 16, 2020 – As Election Day nears, self-appointed poll watchers are preparing to patrol polling precincts for signs of voter fraud, even though it is exceedingly rare. In this op-ed in MarketWatch, FJP Executive Director Miriam Krinsky explains why these voter intimidation tactics are particularly concerning and how local prosecutors can ensure that everyone in their communities has the right to safely exercise their fundamental right to vote.
“Local elected leaders are needed now more than ever to speak out on behalf of protecting fair and free elections — and on behalf of all in their community who seek to exercise one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy: The right to vote.”
Policymakers, Time To End Juvenile Life Sentencing
OCT. 12, 2020 – America is the only country in the world to condemn its children to die behind bars through juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences, with an estimated 2,500 people still serving life sentences imposed for grievous mistakes they made as children. In this op-ed in Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, FJP Executive Director Miriam Krinsky, Loudoun County, VA Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj, and Ingham County, MI Prosecutor Carol Sieman argue that it’s time to abolish juvenile life without parole – once and for all.
“At the end of the day, isn’t rehabilitation and safe reentry the goal, rather than throwing away human lives? By creating ‘juvenile lifers,’ we as a society are robbing children of their humanity, their future and their potential.”