Resources / Issues at a Glance Briefs

Fair and Just Prosecution produces “Issues at a Glance” Briefs for elected prosecutors and others in the field on some of the most pressing challenges they face as leaders in the criminal justice system.

Correcting the Record: Fentanyl Myths and Misinformation

The fentanyl crisis has fueled fear-driven policies rooted in misinformation, policies that have failed to curb overdose deaths and have instead exacerbated racial disparities and over-criminalization.

This brief debunks persistent falsehoods about fentanyl exposure, overdose, and trafficking, including myths about skin contact, fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, and incarceration as an effective response to addiction.


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AI-Generated Police Reports: High-Tech, Low Accuracy, Big Risks

As police departments begin experimenting with artificial intelligence to draft official reports, this brief warns that these tools pose serious threats to accuracy, due process, and public trust.

The brief explores risks related to inaccuracy and bias, privacy and data ownership, police accountability, public trust in law enforcement, and serious legal concerns raised by AI-generated reports.


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Decriminalizing Sex Work: Key Principles and Policy Recommendations for Prosecutors

The criminalization of consensual sex work increases vulnerability to violence and exploitation, worsens public health risks, and undermines trust in law enforcement.

FJP’s issue brief provides prosecutors with key principles and recommendations to shift away from punitive measures and prioritize public safety, harm reduction, and human rights.


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The Prosecutor’s Role in Promoting and Protecting Free and Fair Elections

Elected prosecutors play a critical role in ensuring free and fair elections, guarding against interference with the right to vote, and supporting public trust in democracy and the rule of law.

This resource guide outlines steps prosecutors can take to encourage eligible voters to participate, educate the public on the voting process, and combat voter intimidation, misinformation, and political violence.


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U Visa Best Practices for Prosecutors

Ensuring that all community members feel safe reporting crimes and assisting investigations is crucial to public safety. Many immigrant communities, however, fear that sharing information could lead to immigration consequences.

This brief explains how prosecutors can implement fair and effective U visa policies that encourage cooperation with law enforcement and improve relationships with noncitizens in their communities.


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Improving Justice System Responses to Individuals With Mental Illness

People with mental illness are overrepresented throughout the justice system, despite clear evidence that most need help, not incarceration, and pose no threat to their communities.

This toolkit provides recommendations and resources for prosecutors interested in promoting compassionate and effective alternatives to unnecessary incarceration.


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Drug-Induced Homicide Prosecutions

Drug-induced homicide prosecutions have increased in recent years in an unsuccessful effort to address the overdose crisis. These cases charge individuals with homicide when they supply drugs that result in a fatal overdose.

This brief explains why DIH prosecutions are ineffective, can exacerbate overdose harms, and may discourage people from seeking help in a crisis.


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