Category Archives: Prisons and Justice and Police

A Messed-Up Libertarianism

Posted on May 1, 2011 by Ampersand

A quote from libertarian Jim Henley, via LOOG: Most libertarians would agree that it’s a messed-up state that: * Creates a massive crime problem in poor minority neighborhoods with a futile, vicious and every more far-reaching attempt to prevent commerce … Continue reading →

Posted in Class, poverty, labor, & related issues, Libertarianism, Prisons and Justice and Police, Race, racism and related issues | 2 Comments

The Minister in charge of police and upholding rape culture

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Maia

I haven’t written about, and don’t feel capable of writing about, the earthquake in Christchurch. I am too close, and too far away (I am OK, everyone I know is OK). Other people have written about the experience powerfully eloquently, … Continue reading →

Posted in Prisoner rape, Prisons and Justice and Police, Rape, intimate violence, & related issues | 8 Comments

Top Wisconsin Court OKs Putting Non-Sex Offenders on Sex Offender Registry

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Ampersand

From The Legal Watchdog: For each violent rapist, a registry may contain dozens of teenagers who had consensual sex with younger teens, and dozens of other teens who were convicted of “sexting,” urinating in public, or similar behavior. But, perhaps … Continue reading →

Posted in crossposted on TADA, Prisons and Justice and Police | 44 Comments

How The Death Penalty Makes False Convictions More Likely

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Ampersand

Let’s suppose that Suzy and Bobby had a business together, which they’re liquidating. They have to negotiate how they’ll split the business assets, and if they can’t reach an agreement, then they’ll have to go to trial. Just one thing: … Continue reading →

Posted in crossposted on TADA, Prisons and Justice and Police | 12 Comments

Pat Robinson Favors Legalizing Pot

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Ampersand

Not often I agree with Pat Robinson about anything… From The Independent: “We’re locking up people that have taken a couple puffs of marijuana and next thing you know they’ve got 10 years with mandatory sentences,” Mr Robertson said on … Continue reading →

Posted in crossposted on TADA, In the news, Prisons and Justice and Police | 4 Comments

We Wouldn't

Posted on December 17, 2010 by David Schraub

In late 2007, I declared that the upcoming presidential election “is about torture”. I was wrong. It wasn’t. Despite my assertion that torture should stay in the public eye until we come to terms with it and, ultimately, eradicate it, … Continue reading →

Posted in crossposted on TADA, In the news, Prisons and Justice and Police | 10 Comments

Oscar Grant's Life Is Worth Two Years

Posted on November 8, 2010 by Ampersand

Johannes Mehserle, the white transit cop who accidentally drew his gun rather than his taser (completely different weight and placement on his body), and then accidentally turned off his gun’s safety, and then accidentally shot Oscar Grant, a young black … Continue reading →

Posted in crossposted on TADA, Prisons and Justice and Police, Race, racism and related issues | 33 Comments

Q: What is a Black Man's Life Worth?

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Myca

A: A black mans’ life is worth 2-4 years of a white man’s life. I heard about the verdict just after my wife and I left Mandolin’s place, where we’d met her for lunch. As we drove north on 101, … Continue reading →

Posted in crossposted on TADA, Prisons and Justice and Police, Race, racism and related issues, Whatever | 37 Comments

And the best thing about it was they're guilty!

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Maia

In Decca: The Letters of Jessica Mitford she tells a story of the 1960s. I can’t remember the details of the political trial – had the defendant’s been accused of . But they were found not guilty, and in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Prisons and Justice and Police | 13 Comments

Open Thread: Man Convicted For Nudity In Own Home

Posted on December 22, 2009 by Ampersand

As Radley Balko says, WTF? Williamson denied standing naked in his doorway or front window and said he had no intent to expose himself to anyone. But [Judge] O’Flaherty wasn’t buying it and likened Williamson to bank robber John Dillinger, … Continue reading →

Posted in Link farms, Prisons and Justice and Police | 9 Comments