Criminal Justice
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Democratic Lawmakers Urge Joe Biden to End the Federal Death Penalty on His First Day in Office
The death penalty—a thing supposedly reserved for perpetrators of the most heinous crimes, typically involving intentional and cold-blooded murder—arguably makes sense in theory; but in practice, its flaws and potential for racial discrimination are undeniable. According to figures compiled by the NAACP, Black people represent 42 percent of inmates on death row and 35 percent…
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![10 Black Lives Matter Chapters Pen Open Letter Criticizing BLM Global Network for Lack of Transparency in Decision Making [Updated]](https://www.theroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pexqcd8lyee5dx4gxm0w-300x200.jpg)
10 Black Lives Matter Chapters Pen Open Letter Criticizing BLM Global Network for Lack of Transparency in Decision Making [Updated]
Black Lives Matter has become such a mainstream rallying cry and concept that it’s easy to forget it’s also an organization—and one that has grown from a grassroots movement to a global network aimed at the betterment of the Black collective. Since the BLM explosion over the summer, the organization has been making some serious…
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2 Virginia Police Officers Hit With Misdemeanor Charges Related to Conduct During George Floyd Protests
You don’t need me to tell you that cops absolutely showed their asses during the protests that initially arose from the death of George Floyd. Surprisingly, two Virginia cops are actually facing charges as a result of their conduct during one of those protests. According to ABC News, Richmond police detectives Mark Janowski and Christopher…
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New Los Angeles District Attorney Announces Plans to End Cash Bail, Office Will No Longer Seek the Death Penalty
Newly elected Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced plans to enact sweeping reforms— including ending cash bail and the death penalty—while being sworn in on Tuesday. According to CNN, Gascón’s plan to immediately end cash bail for specific crimes could see hundreds of currently incarcerated people released as soon as tomorrow. While these releases…
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Black-Owned Gym in California Vandalized With a Noose and N-Word Carved Into a Door
A Black gym owner in California found a hanging noose and a racial slur carved into the door of his establishment over the weekend. According to the Fresno Bee, Sam Akoidu, owner of Iron Bird Fitness in Fresno’s Tower District, initially didn’t notice anything when he went to the gym early Saturday morning. A trainer…
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Report Finds Louisville Metro Police Disproportionately Targeted Black People With No-Knock Warrants
Oh, look, yet another thing that disproportionately affects Black people. A new study shows that Black people in Louisville, Ky., were overwhelmingly the subjects of no-knock warrants issued over the last two years. According to a report from the Courier Journal, the Louisville Metro Police received court approval for at least 27 no-knock warrants from…
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George Gascón Won L.A.’s District Attorney Race—and So Did Reform Activists
This Election Day, activists for justice reform and racial equity saw their vision for L.A.’s justice system come to life with George Gascón’s win in the Los Angeles County district attorney race. For eight years, racial justice advocates fought tooth and nail for reform, innovation and transparency at the district attorney’s office while the incumbent…
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Judge Orders Kyle Rittenhouse to Stand Trial for Fatal Shooting of 2 in Kenosha, Wisc.
Almost two weeks after being released on bail, Kyle Rittenhouse must stand trial for the shooting death of two men and injury of another in Kenosha, Wisc., a judge ordered. According to CNN, the 17-year-old Rittenhouse appeared in a preliminary conference virtually alongside his attorney, who attempted to have some of the charges dismissed. The…
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Louisville Mayor Declares Racism a Public Health Crisis
Since Breonna Taylor’s death, Louisville has become one of the focal points in the nation’s ongoing reckoning with its internalized racism, and as a result, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer has declared racism a public health crisis. WLKY reports that Fischer signed the executive order on Tuesday, which comes following months of consistent protests in the…