criminal justice - CalMatters

A 50-year-old California mass murder case forever etched in my consciousness

by Dan Walters November 6, 2023November 5, 2023

Fifty years ago, two drifters murdered nine people in the bedroom of a home near Lodi. The memory of it never fades.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announces the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the California Department of Justice at a press event in San Francisco on Sept. 21, 2022. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Rob Bonta praised fentanyl murder case but ducked California legislation on deadly drug

by Dan Walters October 22, 2023October 18, 2023

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón speaks during a press conference in Commerce on Sept. 26, 2022.

Los Angeles DA race more likely a referendum on George Gascón than progressive politics

by Jim Newton October 19, 2023October 18, 2023

An empty jury box in a courtroom at the Santa Barbara County courthouse in Santa Maria on Jan. 30, 2005. Photo by Spencer Weiner, Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool

Why California courts need to pay low-income jurors more than $15 per day

by Guest Commentary October 3, 2023October 2, 2023

Police officers stand guard near a crime scene in Los Angeles on March 8, 2023. Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Photo

Is crime rising or falling? In Los Angeles, the answer is both, and leaders are struggling to respond

by Jim Newton September 7, 2023September 7, 2023

Illustration of Attila Colar's multiple licenses and text from the federal indictment. Illustration by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters; iStock

He lied to win a California rehab contract. Now he’s convicted of exploiting parolees in his care

by Byrhonda Lyons September 6, 2023September 6, 2023

A guard tower at the California Health Care Facility prison in Stockton on March 2, 2022. Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Some of California best-paid employees will get bonuses of $40,000 or more in new contract

by Kristen Hwang September 6, 2023September 6, 2023

An officer walks to his car at the Alameda Police Department in Alameda on Aug. 28, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

A California city offered a $75,000 bonus to new cops. These departments are trying to keep up

by Anabel Sosa September 5, 2023September 5, 2023

Police officers stand guard Wednesday, June 15, 2022, near a crime scene where two police officers were shot and killed Tuesday at a motel in El Monte. Photo by Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Photo

California law treats some violent crimes as nonviolent, letting offenders off the hook

by Dan Walters August 30, 2023August 29, 2023

Guards and inmates in the yard at San Quentin State Prison on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

As California closes prisons, correctional officers land a $1 billion contract with raises and more

by Byrhonda Lyons August 29, 2023August 30, 2023

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