The hottest Criminal Justice Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

My questions for the GOP candidates

The Watch • 860 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  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.

What Would MLK Do?

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Confronting economic inequality means building multiracial coalitions and challenging systems that let the wealthy hoard power and resources.
  2. AI can both deepen bias and widen access, so we should get into the rooms where it’s made to fix harms while using its potential to expand opportunity.
  3. A military-first approach and aggressive enforcement breed violence and injustice; the remedy is sustained, courageous nonviolent protest and a bolder progressive movement that makes injustice impossible to ignore.

An Epstein Backgrounder and Where We Are Today

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. The Epstein story is very complex and constantly changing, similar to the JFK assassination, with many known facts but also many uncertainties.
  2. Darryl Cooper's interviews offer deep insights into Epstein's life, his connections with powerful people, and the implications of his actions.
  3. Other interviews discuss connections between Epstein and notable figures like Donald Trump, as well as ongoing legal and ethical questions surrounding the case.

The Insane Multitude of Misconceptions About the Epstein Case

Michael Tracey • 70 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. There's a lot of information available about the Epstein case that many people don't seem to read or understand. Instead of digging into the facts, some prefer to listen to rumors and wild stories.
  2. A key report from the Department of Justice highlights that it wasn't just rich and powerful ties that made prosecuting Epstein hard; there were many complicated legal issues and unreliable witnesses.
  3. Many supposed 'victims' actually had mixed feelings about being involved, with some even expressing that they didn't see themselves as victims and didn't want to testify against him.

DOJ/FBI: There's nothing on Epstein.

The Reactionary • 72 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. The DOJ and FBI claim they found no evidence against uncharged individuals in the Epstein case, raising questions about their thoroughness. It's hard to believe they couldn't find anything given the volume of evidence on Epstein.
  2. They reported that Epstein harmed over a thousand victims, primarily through serious crimes like sex trafficking. This suggests he was charged with fewer crimes than he should have been.
  3. The investigation turned up a large amount of disturbing material, including videos and images of child abuse. This shines a light on a significant issue in how these cases are handled by federal authorities.
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Virginia's culture warrior attorney general

The Watch • 550 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Virginia's attorney general Miyares prioritized culture war issues like crime and anti-woke-ism.
  2. Miyares disbanded the Conviction Integrity Unit, affecting potential wrongful convictions in Virginia.
  3. Despite being elected narrowly, Miyares has used his office to push his own values on a generally opposing electorate.

The DOJ is investigating how many crimes are committed with masks on

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 149 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Wearing masks in public hasn't shown to help stop the spread of viruses and was even advised against by health experts before the pandemic. Many believe mask mandates are not useful.
  2. There is a concern that masks provide anonymity, which some criminals may exploit. This has prompted the DOJ to look into how many crimes are committed by people wearing masks.
  3. As more people stopped masking, some places started banning public masking altogether. This shift highlights a growing belief that masks can hinder law enforcement and harm social interactions.

Some Observations on Criminality and Recidivism

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  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 Criminal Justice
  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 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 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 perpetual crisis in indigent defense

The Watch • 529 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. States are failing to meet the Sixth Amendment by not providing adequate indigent defense.
  2. Public defenders face overwhelming caseloads, preventing them from giving each client proper attention.
  3. A new study by RAND suggests that public defense systems in the U.S. are more overloaded than previously thought.

The Epstein Rerun

The Reactionary • 111 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. The Department of Justice released a 200-page binder related to Jeffrey Epstein, but most of it included old documents and was heavily redacted. It's not the fresh information people were hoping for.
  2. Attorney General Pam Bondi found out that the FBI was hiding thousands of pages of documents on Epstein. This raises concerns about transparency and the effectiveness of the investigation.
  3. The focus on Epstein's case needs to expand beyond the FBI to include the Department of Justice, especially regarding past plea deals and communication with victims.

Democrats Should Make Trump Pay for Selling Pardons

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Trump appears to be using the pardon power to protect allies and likely enrich himself, creating a plausible quid pro quo narrative voters dislike.
  2. Democrats have an easy political opening to run tough-on-corruption, populist messaging about a "pardon pipeline" and could turn it into a potent attack ad theme.
  3. Political obstacles exist: Biden’s own controversial pardon invites immediate "what abouts," and many progressives support pardons on criminal-justice grounds, which makes unified Democratic messaging harder.

The Problem of Cooperation Costs

Economic Forces • 6 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
💼 Business Criminal Justice
  1. High cooperation costs — the costs of communicating, coordinating, and committing — can stop profitable sequential investments because early actors fear later expropriation, creating development traps.
  2. Because bargaining and coordination are costly, policymakers often use rules like zoning or quantity limits instead of taxes to prevent expropriation and avoid expensive negotiations.
  3. Institutions like imprisonment, juries, and bans on leasing prison labor raise the cost of corrupt cooperation among officials, which reduces incentives to extort, over-enforce, or unfairly extract resources via the justice system.

Barry Young's criminal trial continues on Thursday, Dec 11 Wellington District Court in New Zealand at 9am

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Barry Young is on trial for leaking COVID-19 vaccination data in New Zealand, facing serious charges. His case has sparked a debate about public access to health data.
  2. The trial is set for December 11, and supporters are encouraged to attend or share information to raise awareness.
  3. The discussion highlights concerns about how public health data is handled and the implications for transparency in health matters.

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 Criminal Justice
  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.

Daniel Penny Is A Hero

Journal of Free Black Thought • 101 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Daniel Penny was found not guilty for the death of Jordan Neely during a subway incident. Many believe he acted in defense of other passengers who felt threatened.
  2. There were concerns that the media focused too much on race in this situation, ignoring facts like other passengers helping Penny and Neely's troubling behavior.
  3. The writer argues that the real issues are the failures of the local politicians to handle problems like homelessness and mental health, rather than blaming Penny for the incident.

On journalism's dishonesty and moral rot

Unreported Truths • 99 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  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.

New Q&A Series, No. 1: Answering Some Extremely Easy Questions Asked By the Worst-Informed and Most Disingenuous Far-Right Billionaires on Earth

Proof • 84 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Just because someone has many arrests doesn't mean they committed a lot of crimes. A single incident can lead to multiple arrests for different charges.
  2. Most criminal cases don't involve prison time; people often face fines, probation, or other penalties instead of jail. Many arrests are for minor offenses.
  3. It's important for wealthy people to understand the real effects of tough criminal laws. Harsh policies can hurt families and increase crime in communities.

The War On Drugs Was Never About Safety

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  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 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.

Should Zohran Actually Keep Tisch?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 9 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Zohran Mamdani is considering keeping Jessica Tisch as the NYPD police commissioner. She's well-liked among the business community and has some experience with reform.
  2. Tisch's views on criminal justice are more conservative than Mamdani's, especially regarding cash bail and other reforms. This difference might create tension between them.
  3. Past mayors have managed similar situations, suggesting that Mamdani may keep Tisch for at least two years despite their contrasts in political views.

The Duty to Disregard the Law

Fake Noûs • 100 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Juries should avoid contributing to injustice. This means not convicting someone who didn't actually do anything wrong or punishing them too harshly.
  2. Sometimes laws are unjust, and it’s important for juries to recognize this. Disregarding such laws can be a moral duty, just like not helping wrongdoers.
  3. The common reasons people give for convicting in unjust cases are not very strong. It's important to think critically about the fairness of the law and its application.

Death Row Inmate Saved by Supreme Court

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 60 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Richard Glossip, a death row inmate, has been saved from execution by a recent Supreme Court ruling. This has brought hope to his family and supporters.
  2. Lea Glossip, Richard's wife, waited nine years for this moment and had a unique relationship with him before they married.
  3. The case highlights ongoing debates about the death penalty and raises questions about justice and wrongful convictions in the legal system.

OSD 311: The courts will never protect your rights

Open Source Defense • 52 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. Courts are often seen as protectors of rights, but they mainly follow existing rules rather than actively defending individual freedoms. This means real change often comes from cultural shifts instead.
  2. Most criminal cases end in plea deals, not trials. This shows how courts can actually support systems that pressure people into giving up their rights to fight their charges.
  3. Historical examples show that courts sometimes fail to protect rights when it matters most. Cultures and societal values shape the law more than court decisions, so real progress comes from public support and action.

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 Criminal Justice
  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.

The Gringo-Mexican Standoff

Diane Francis • 319 implied HN points • 18 Mar 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.

Biden Commuted Life Sentence of Leonard Peltier

Tessa Fights Robots • 32 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  1. President Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, allowing him to move to home confinement after fifty years in prison. This is seen as a positive change in his situation.
  2. Peltier, who was convicted in connection with the deaths of two FBI agents, has always maintained his innocence. His case has been controversial and has generated discussions about justice.
  3. The author encourages readers to reflect on the historical treatment of indigenous people in America and to be more honest about current social issues and their roots.

Combating Retail Shrinkage with Technology and Social Interventions

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business 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.

OSD 259: The floor is lava

Open Source Defense • 38 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice
  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.

Why Roger Ver Deserves a Presidential Pardon

Who is Robert Malone • 10 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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.