The hottest Criminal Justice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The War on Drugs Targets People, Not Substances

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug policy Social Disparities Criminal Justice Public Health
  1. Drug prohibition perpetuates racial and social disparities, serving as a tool for division and maintaining social order.
  2. The War on Drugs may not have succeeded in its stated goal of reducing drug use, but it has been successful in boosting police budgets and expanding harm among marginalized communities.
  3. The emphasis on controlling people rather than substances in the War on Drugs has led to an increase in prison populations, incentivizing more arrests and further marginalization.

Anti-Defamation League raises cost of speaking out

Tilting At Windmills • 235 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Organizations Law enforcement Ideology Criminal Justice
  1. The Anti-Defamation League faces criticism for pressuring law enforcement to investigate those with ideological disagreements.
  2. Law enforcement has denied investigating individuals targeted by the ADL, which is seen as a positive development.
  3. Disagreement should not equate to criminality, and the ADL's actions raise concerns about stifling freedom of speech.

My questions for the GOP candidates

The Watch • 860 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policing Criminal Justice Reproductive Rights First Amendment
  1. Some key questions for GOP candidates revolve around their stance on important issues like the COVID-19 vaccine, QAnon conspiracy theories, and racism.
  2. The GOP candidates are asked about their views on the death penalty, executing drug dealers, and their opinions on the Trump administration's policies.
  3. Questions are raised about the GOP candidates' stance on law enforcement, policing, and criminal justice reforms, including their views on the Capitol riots and the FBI.
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On journalism's dishonesty and moral rot

Unreported Truths • 99 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Critique Social Issues Criminal Justice Political Commentary Cultural Commentary
  1. Some media outlets may not clearly condemn violent actions, leading to mixed messages about serious crime. For example, a writer seemed unsure if a murdered executive deserved sympathy.
  2. The way people are described in news articles can reflect biases and affect public perception. Terms like 'subway dancer' and 'ex-marine' can shape how stories are understood.
  3. There's a growing skepticism toward mainstream media, with more people turning to social media for different perspectives. This shift is making traditional news sources seem less relevant.

Combating Retail Shrinkage with Technology and Social Interventions

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Retail Technology Economics Operations Criminal Justice
  1. Retail shrinkage is a big issue caused by theft, damage, or errors, and it frustrates both businesses and honest customers. When retailers put products behind lock and key to prevent theft, it can make shopping hard for people just trying to buy what they need.
  2. Using technology can help reduce shrinkage while keeping customers happy. Retailers can use things like mobile apps or surveillance systems to spot theft, but they also need to make sure shopping remains a good experience.
  3. Understanding people's behavior is key to reducing theft, especially with self-checkout systems. Designing better systems and providing reminders can help prevent accidental theft, making it easier for everyone to shop without issues.

Roundup: Baton Rouge police kept a torture black site, local officials arrest critics and protesters, Texas prepares to execute a man convicted with disproven Shaken Baby Syndrome, . . . and 76 hams

The Watch • 338 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Criminal Justice Civil Liberties
  1. Baton Rouge police officers arrested for operating a torture chamber
  2. Issues with law enforcement misconduct across different states
  3. Miscarriage of justice cases and wrongful convictions highlighted

ALL the criminal cases against Donald J. Trump must be dismissed with prejudice

Unreported Truths • 70 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legal issues Criminal Justice Government Political Commentary
  1. All criminal cases against Donald Trump should be ended for good so he can focus on his presidency. It's time to move on from past legal battles.
  2. Recent decisions by prosecutors show a lack of understanding of public sentiment, as many people support Trump despite his legal issues.
  3. Continuing to pursue these cases may backfire politically, as Trump's supporters are energized by the legal challenges he faces.

Inaugural Three-Dot Thursday: In honor of the great Herb Caen, we’re going back to school — old school, that is…

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 176 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Legislation Media Criticism
  1. Herb Caen popularized 'Three Dot Journalism' with one-liners, gossip, anecdotes, and information.
  2. Oakland Animal Services facing overcrowding and potential euthanasia of dogs due to high intakes.
  3. San Francisco and Oakland facing challenges with white-collar criminals, shoplifting incidents, and political controversies.

10 Years after Clayton Lockett's Execution: What's Changed, What Hasn't

The Medicine & Justice Project • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Perception Death Penalty Criminal Justice
  1. Lethal injection's true nature was revealed through Clayton Lockett's botched execution, challenging the humane image it previously held.
  2. The public perception of lethal injection remains favorable despite numerous botched executions, highlighting a concerning gap between reality and perception.
  3. There has been a decline in support for the death penalty, with a notable shift in public opinion and legislative actions following Lockett's execution.

Reader mailbag: Bias in journalism, criminal justice in pop culture, and how my own politics have changed

The Watch • 578 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Criminal Justice Political Beliefs Police Reform Civil Rights
  1. Bias in journalism can skew public perceptions, especially in crime shows like _The Forensic Files_ and _Cops_.
  2. Shows like _The Wire_ and _Homicide_ offer a more accurate portrayal of problems in law enforcement.
  3. Maintaining mental well-being is crucial when working in criminal defense, to avoid burnout in the field.

Why Roger Ver Deserves a Presidential Pardon

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Civil Rights Government Power Political Advocacy Criminal Justice
  1. Roger Ver is facing a long prison sentence for following his lawyers' advice, which raises serious concerns about attorney-client privilege. If this case succeeds, it could put anyone who seeks legal counsel at risk of prosecution.
  2. Ver’s situation highlights a broader issue where being successful and questioning state control can lead to persecution. His story emphasizes the need for freedom of speech and the importance of standing up for one's principles.
  3. The fight to defend Roger Ver is not just about him; it's about protecting the rights of everyone who relies on legal guidance. Supporting him means advocating for the rights of all individuals to seek advice without fear of punishment.

Some Observations on Criminality and Recidivism

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Prison Reform Public Policy Societal Issues
  1. Prisons should focus more on rehabilitation rather than just punishment. Helping prisoners find jobs and complete education can lower the chance of reoffending.
  2. Countries like Norway, which has nicer prisons and a focus on rehabilitation, have lower crime and recidivism rates. This suggests that how we treat prisoners matters.
  3. We might need to change how we sentence people. Young offenders could get longer sentences since they might reoffend more, while older, first-time offenders could get shorter sentences for better chances of reform.

Episode 106: Das Ray-ciss!

Disaffected Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Surrogacy Criminal Justice Media Commentary Social Issues
  1. Some people believe it's okay for people of color to express racist views towards white people, and they argue that it's not actually racism.
  2. There are women attracted to men in prison, and they openly share their feelings about these relationships.
  3. The idea of commercial surrogacy is viewed by some as a form of human trafficking, and it raises concerns about the ethics of buying and selling babies.

Alabama's Disastrous New Execution Method Is Hitting the Road Anyway

The Medicine & Justice Project • 59 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Death Penalty Legal system Lawmakers Criminal Justice
  1. Alabama is moving forward with a new execution method involving nitrogen gas despite evidence showing it caused significant distress to the individual being executed.
  2. Alabama officials blamed the individual being executed for any complications, deflecting from the questionable effectiveness and humaneness of the new method.
  3. Other states like Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Ohio are considering adopting the nitrogen gas execution method, with some officials emphasizing its ease of availability and implementation.

Rampage Without End

Diane Francis • 379 implied HN points • 08 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Indigenous rights Criminal Justice
  1. Intergenerational trauma affects many communities, especially indigenous peoples. It can cause long-lasting issues like addiction and violence if not properly addressed.
  2. Many indigenous people in Canada, the U.S., and Australia face high rates of incarceration and poverty. This stems from historical mistreatment and ongoing challenges in their communities.
  3. Effective solutions require recognition of the trauma and proper support. Successful interventions have shown that healing is possible through community efforts and focused recovery programs.

The War On Drugs Was Never About Safety

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Public Health Social Issues
  1. The War On Drugs has not been about safety, but rather about control and power, with questionable motives behind it.
  2. The War On Drugs has cost an enormous amount of money, ruined lives, and made it harder for people with addiction to seek help.
  3. Decriminalization and legalization of drugs have shown promise in other countries, like Switzerland and Portugal, as alternative approaches to dealing with drug-related issues.

Robert Roberson Is Going to Die Because Courts Aren't Built for Science Questions

The Medicine & Justice Project • 7 HN points • 20 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Medical Science Legal system Criminal Justice
  1. Courts may not be equipped to handle complex scientific questions, potentially leading to wrongful convictions or sentences.
  2. Medical diagnoses like shaken baby syndrome can evolve over time with new scientific evidence, impacting legal cases like Robert Roberson's.
  3. Challenges arise when legal systems fail to adapt to new scientific knowledge, creating obstacles for individuals seeking justice based on updated understanding.

OSD 259: The floor is lava

Open Source Defense • 38 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Law enforcement Civil Liberties
  1. The prohibited persons ban in the Gun Control Act is quite strange and involves severe consequences.
  2. Larry Vickers' conviction of breaking a federal paperwork law has resulted in an ironic punishment where he can't possess firearms anymore.
  3. Federal gun law, particularly section 18 USC \/ 922(g), has broad and severe prohibitions that affect many unsuspecting individuals, causing unintended consequences.

The Gringo-Mexican Standoff

Diane Francis • 319 implied HN points • 18 Mar 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Drug policy Border Security Political Debate Criminal Justice
  1. The situation at the US-Mexico border is not just about immigration but largely driven by drug cartels that control the flow of migrants and drugs between the two countries. These cartels are exploiting the system for profit.
  2. Many people crossing the border as asylum seekers are actually just trying to bypass immigration laws, which is causing strain on US border officials. The asylum system is being manipulated by some migrants who are helped by these cartels.
  3. A serious approach is needed from both the U.S. and Mexico to tackle the drug problem and illegal migration. This includes changing laws, treating addiction as a health issue, and reinforcing law enforcement efforts against cartels.

Half of Black Students Can Barely Read

The Discourse Lounge • 95 HN points • 20 Mar 23
🚌 Education Racial Disparities Criminal Justice
  1. The racial wealth gap in the Bay Area is reflected in the poor educational outcomes for Black students.
  2. Many Black high school students in San Francisco struggle with basic literacy skills, impacting their future opportunities.
  3. Addressing racial income gaps and educational disparities is crucial for the future success of young Black individuals in the Bay Area.

What is ‘gold standard’ evidence, anyway?

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Criminal Justice Public Safety
  1. Gold standard evidence in policy often comes from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that help isolate causal effects but are not always practical, especially in criminal justice settings.
  2. Quasi-experimental methods like regression discontinuity designs (RDD) and difference in differences (DID) can also provide high-quality evidence for evaluating causal effects of programs and policies, offering flexibility where RCTs are not feasible.
  3. Recent analysis showed that RDD and DID designs are as reliable as RCTs for inferring causality, indicating that a variety of methods beyond RCTs can be valuable 'gold standard' evidence in policy and criminal justice research.

The case for optimism

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Criminal Justice Research Intervention Policy Public Safety
  1. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) play a crucial role in identifying effective interventions in criminal justice policy.
  2. Collaboration among researchers and practitioners is essential to develop and replicate successful causal research designs.
  3. Causal research has contributed to progress in criminal justice policy and helped identify interventions that work, while also highlighting ones that are ineffective or counterproductive.

Is transformational change the only thing that matters?

Hypertext • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Social Change Public Policy Criminal Justice
  1. Transformational change is difficult in various aspects of life, and most attempts do not lead to significant outcomes, but persistence is key to progress.
  2. Research and evaluation play a crucial role in understanding the effectiveness of interventions and innovations, although measuring programmatic effectiveness can be challenging.
  3. Randomized experiments, while powerful, are not the only form of high-quality evidence; various types of evidence contribute to building knowledge and understanding incremental changes over time.

Prison

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Mental health Prison System Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Prisons in the US are now the biggest places for mental healthcare, highlighting a sad reality about how we treat mental health issues.
  2. In some remote villages in Alaska, when locals are suddenly taken to prison, it can really upset the whole community, especially if the person has never left their home before.
  3. Prison life can be tough, and some inmates actually prefer being inside because it feels safer to them, even if it means committing crimes just to go back.

K-12 School Shooting Database 3.0

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 0 implied HN points • 01 Oct 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence Data Collection Public Safety Criminal Justice
  1. The K-12 School Shooting Database is now an independent research project with a website not affiliated with any government agency, documenting instances of gun violence on school property since 1970.
  2. The database includes various types of incidents beyond traditional school shootings, such as gang violence, domestic disputes, and accidents, providing a comprehensive view of gun violence in schools.
  3. The data collected by the database includes detailed information on the locations of shootings on school property, outcomes of incidents, victim and shooter demographics, offering a unique level of detail for analysis.

Torture and Plea Bargaining

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Legal system Reform Human Rights Historical Analysis
  1. Plea bargaining and torture have similar roots in needing confessions, showing how justice systems can push for admissions under pressure. This means that, like in medieval times, the system isn't always fair or just.
  2. In the past, strict proof requirements meant torture was sometimes used to force confessions. Today, the heavy use of plea bargains can feel like a modern form of this pressure.
  3. The author suggests reforms to the justice system, such as adopting practices from Germany. This would help ensure more fair trials and protect the rights of individuals better.