Prosecution and Politics: The Impact of a Progressive Prosecutor’s Suspension

• In Event: Politics, Policy Shifts, and Prosecutorial Influence: Examining Transparency, Impact, and Accountability in Criminal Justice

Abstract

The rise of progressive prosecutors has reshaped how criminal cases are handled in the U.S. justice system. Unlike traditional prosecutors, who prioritize convictions and tough-on-crime policies, progressive prosecutors focus on reform by limiting the prosecution of low-level offenses, expanding alternatives to incarceration, and addressing racial and economic disparities. However, progressive prosecutors’ policies have sparked controversy, leading to political interference, including the removal of progressive prosecutors from office. This study examines the impact of the August 2022 suspension of progressive prosecutor Andrew Warren from Hillsborough County’s 13th Judicial Circuit Court. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis removed Warren, citing disagreements over his use of prosecutorial discretion, and appointed Suzy Lopez, a prosecutor with a more traditional, tough-on-crime approach. This research investigates whether this abrupt shift in prosecutorial leadership affected arrest rates. By analyzing arrest data pre and post Warren’s suspension, this study assesses how changes in prosecutorial philosophy influence criminal justice outcomes, particularly arrest patterns. The findings will contribute to discussions on the role of prosecutorial discretion, the influence of politics on the justice system, and the broader impact of prosecutorial changes on local communities.

Author

• Carl Reeds, University of South Florida