The Gray Area with Sean Illing Philadelphia's progressive prosecutor
Jul 29, 2021
Larry Krasner, Philadelphia's District Attorney and a former civil rights attorney, discusses his groundbreaking approach to criminal justice reform. He addresses the challenges of rising gun violence and economic disparities affecting marginalized communities. Krasner emphasizes the importance of preventive measures over punitive approaches, advocating for a no-cash bail system to reduce judicial inequalities. He also reflects on his transformation from public defender to a reformist DA, aiming to create systemic change in an often resistant system.
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Jail Population During Pandemic
- Philadelphia jail populations decreased under Krasner but rose during the pandemic due to court closures.
- Court closures halted trials and the resolution of cases, leading to higher jail populations.
Simulating No-Cash Bail
- Krasner aimed to simulate a no-cash bail system by requesting either no cash or a very high amount ($999,999).
- This approach had mixed results, reducing low bails but not fully achieving the intended goal.
Root Causes of Crime
- Poverty, unemployment, and low educational achievement correlate with mass incarceration and violent crime.
- Preventative solutions are key, but the US has over-invested in incarceration.
