Minnesota’s criminal justice system needs reform to ensure impartiality and experience in the bench, with a constitutional amendment and statutory changes to split civil and criminal courts, and a mix of civil and criminal experience on the bench.
criminal justice system
Posted inLocal & State
Controversial ruling: Chauvin granted permission to re-examine Floyd’s autopsy samples
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted for the murder of George Floyd, has been granted permission to re-examine heart tissue and fluid samples from Floyd’s autopsy, in an effort to explore whether Floyd may have died due to a pre-existing heart condition.
Posted inNews
Black America’s quest for true Independence runs deeper than July 4
Independence Day in the United States is a time of reflection for African Americans, who have faced systemic injustices and disparities since the inception of American independence.
Posted inNews
Minneapolis’ new community safety commissioner brings decades-long experience to the role
Hennepin County Chief Judge Todd Barnette was sworn in as Minneapolis’ new Public Safety Commissioner, and will focus on a holistic approach to public safety,
Posted inOpinion
Chauvin proceedings serve as a kind of sinister propaganda
From the beginning, the defense’s motions appeared to be aimed at propagandizing those watching.
Posted inOpinion
Taylor verdict adds insult to injury
Not only was justice not served, the desultory and insufficient result we received was also unacceptably slow in manifesting.
Posted inFeatured, MLK Legacy Section, Opinion, Special Editions
Dr. King’s legacy requires us to continue the fight for justice
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy in the 21st Century means rigorously interrogating the U.S. criminal justice system and refusing to accept the high rate of incarceration among African Americans.
Posted inOpinion
WORD ON THE STREET | Community verdict: No surprise!
The MSR hit the streets to get people’s initial reactions to the Noor verdict and sentencing and ask what this means to the Black community.
Posted inLocal & State, News
‘This Is America’: Noor verdict adds to collective trauma
A collective trauma continues to rock communities of color following the murder conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor.
Posted inArts + Culture, Books
‘Becoming Ms. Burton’ offers lifeline in a sea of injustice
But Burton, a recovering addict and former convict, turned the strength of prevailing against personal adversity into a resource for others to do the same.
Posted inLocal & State, News
County Attorney debate probed volatile issues
BVMM sponsored the evening at the Minneapolis Urban League, hosted by Robbins and activist Bill English and moderated by former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton.
Posted inOpinion
Former prosecutor reimagines how criminal justice system can serve domestic abuse victims
Like many victims I met, Marina suffered gruesome violence at the hands of her boyfriend. Marina testified at trial that her boyfriend tried to rip out her tongue and that she believed his threats to kill her and her 10-year-old daughter. The jury agreed and convicted him.
Posted inOpinion
The racial optics of the opioid epidemic
Where is the lock ‘em up and throw away the key sentiment towards opioid users that politicians showed towards crack dealers?