Prosecutorial Reform in Times of Tense Politics and Community Engagement

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel explores different aspects of prosecutorial reform and decision-making as part of the Prosecutorial Performance Indicators (PPIs) initiative. It kicks off with a study involving 80 district attorneys from various U.S. regions, looking into the extent to which recent partisan politics have influenced how elected prosecutors see their role and powers. Then, we'll dive into a racial disparities analysis using recent data from the New York County District Attorney’s Office, comparing it with a study done in Manhattan a decade ago. We will also check out how prosecutorial processes vary across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado, especially in terms of case processing times. Lastly, a former prosecutor and community engagement expert will discuss the PPI’s efforts to support local prosecutors in setting up community advisory boards and shaping policies based on community feedback.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 42. Prosecutorial Discretion and Plea Bargaining

Individual Presentations

• “Don’t call me progressive!”: How the partisan politics has changed elected prosecutors’ perceptions and silenced the reform movement - Besiki Luka Kutateladze, Florida International University

• New York revisited: Examining a decade of change in prosecution and racial disparities in Manhattan - Rebecca Dunlea, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Case processing across three states: Examining factors affecting time to disposition in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado - Brandon Dupont, Loyola University Chicago; Don Stemen, Loyola University Chicago

• Building bridges: How community engagement in prosecutorial reform can build trust and improve justice outcomes - Melba Pearson, Florida International University

Discussant

• Laurie Garduque, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation