“Don’t call me progressive!”: How the partisan politics has changed elected prosecutors’ perceptions and silenced the reform movement

• In Event: Prosecutorial Reform in Times of Tense Politics and Community Engagement

Abstract

In recent years, prosecutorial elections have become increasingly politicized and partisan, potentially hindering reforms and fostering greater punitiveness across the United States. This trend has led to some states attempting to curtail the authority of local district and state attorneys, often citing concerns about crime control and disorder. Notably, several jurisdictions have seen successful efforts to recall prosecutors. Drawing on fresh insights from in-depth interviews with 80 chief prosecutors representing all six U.S. regions, our study delves into the extent of politicization within the prosecutorial field and its implications. We analyze how shifts in ideology have translated into specific policies and practices and explore prosecutors' perceptions of terms like "progressive" and "reform-minded." Moreover, we examine how individual characteristics such as race, gender, tenure, and prior experience influence elected prosecutors' responses to politicization, affecting their sense of job security and willingness to embrace reform initiatives. These findings paint a concerning picture, suggesting that the United States may be entering a phase characterized by heightened punitiveness, with potential repercussions for the nation's progress in reducing incarceration rates.

Author

• Besiki Luka Kutateladze, Florida International University