Op-Eds and Editorials

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November 22, 2024 - Written by Paul Rosenzweig, this op ed discusses the importance of local prosecutorial independence. He notes that "[t]hese assaults on prosecutorial independence, [  ] are at odds with American history.    He notes that if one wants change, the "answer is to go and win a local election on conservative grounds,"  as opposed to removal of the prosecutor by someone such as a governor. 

November 19, 2024 - Written by Rachel Marshall, this op ed  discusses prosecutorial discretion noting that "[a]s new attacks on prosecutorial discretion emerge, now more than ever we must give prosecutors the support they need to serve their communities."  

November 26, 2023 - Written by Miriam Krinsky and Barbara Pariente, this article examines the atmosphere within Florida's legal system prior to Florida's Supreme Court's decision in the cases of Monique Worrell and Andrew Warren—two prosecutors removed by governor DeSantis because of their pledge to utilize prosecutorial discretion. The article also includes comments from important legal figures on the issue; specifically that unchecked removal of prosecutors by a governor is a threat to the integrity of the legal system and voters rights. 

January 25, 2023 - Written by Professor Ellen S. Podgor - this column discusses the removal of District Attorney Andrew Warren by Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis.

October 31, 2022 - Written by the Times Editorial Board, this editorial discusses how progressive district attorneys like Larry Krasner (Philadelphia) and Andrew Warren (Tampa) are facing removal and impeachment for implementing progressive policies in their charging and sentencing decisions. The editorial uses these examples as evidence of the national debate on prosecutorial independence.   

August 23, 2022 - Written by Miriam Krinsky, this article discusses how Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, removed the twice-elected state attorney, Andrew Warren. His removal came after he signed a public statement promising not to use limited prosecutorial resources to prosecute abortions in the wake of Roe v. Wade. It is a critical analysis of why prosecutorial independence is necessary and how it reflects the views of the local community. 

May 17, 2022 - Written by Miriam Krinsky and Joyce Vance, this article discusses a 2022 Alabama law that allowed medical providers to be charged with a felony—that carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years—for providing trans youth with gender-affirming health care. A second law in effect that same year forced children to use bathrooms that corresponded to their sex that was assigned at birth. This article calls upon prosecutors to use their discretion in combatting these laws which seek to discriminate against already marginalized communities. 

October 25, 2021 - Written by Gil Garcetti, Ira Reiner, and Miriam Krinsky, this article addresses the historical attitude prosecutor's in Los Angeles County, California, took toward charging and sentencing decisions; the effects of that "tough on crime" attitude; and how reform efforts are being obstructed. 

July 15, 2021 - Written by Satana Deberry, Justin Kollar, and Miriam Krinsky, this articles considers the effects of Tennessee's bathroom legislation which prevents transgendered individuals from having the freedom of choosing the restroom they prefer to use. The article also discusses how a large number of district attorneys in Tennessee have published statements regarding their decision to not prosecute individuals in violation of the new law.

January 28, 2021 - Written by Erwin Chemerinsky and Miriam Krinsky, this article discusses how deputy district attorney's in Los Angeles County, California, tried to undermine reform efforts efforts by elected D.A. George Gascon. D.A. Gascon sought to shift his office away from a "tough on crime" approach and implement sensible charging and sentencing practices.