criminal justice

Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert speaks during a news conference in Sacramento on March 2, 2019. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

WhatMatters

Gascón, Boudin hang over California attorney general race

California attorney general candidate Anne Marie Schubert secured a key endorsement from powerful law enforcement groups.

By

Emily Hoeven

• March 2, 2022

California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a protest demanding the state make meaningful investments in crime prevention and healing in response to the pandemic-fueled rise in violence plaguing communities on the steps of the California State Capitol, February 23, 2022. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

WhatMatters

California Democrats make appeal to crime victims

CalMatters is dedicated to explaining how state government impacts our lives. Your support helps us produce journalism that makes a difference. Donate now. California Democrats have a message for Republicans hoping to capitalize on voter concerns about rising crime ahead of the 2022 elections: We care about victims, too. On Wednesday, Attorney General Rob Bonta and three […]

By

Emily Hoeven

• February 24, 2022

Commentary

Honor voters, expand good conduct credit rules for inmates

Officials must not succumb to fearmongering and ignore a promise made to the thousands of people behind bars in California.

By

Guest Commentary

• February 23, 2022

Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters; iStock

Justice

Meth, a mother, and a stillbirth: Imprisoned mom wants her ‘manslaughter’ case reopened

A rural prosecutor and the state’s attorney general are facing off in the controversial case in Kings County that has alarmed abortion rights advocates.

By

Nigel Duara

• February 21, 2022

A guard stands on duty in California's Death Row at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin on December 29, 2015. Photo by Stephen Lam, REUTERS

WhatMatters

Is California’s death penalty on its way out?

Gov. Newsom’s proposal to dismantle death row may not have as much impact on California's death penalty as other reforms.

By

Emily Hoeven

• February 9, 2022

Sacramento Police Department officers stand watch behind crime scene tape at Arden Fair mall after a shooting killed two people in Sacramento on Nov. 27, 2020. Paul Kitagaki Jr./Sacramento Bee via REUTERS

Justice

California crime story: The numbers, explained

Getting a handle on California crime statistics is tricky business, as inconsistent reporting and short-term snapshots can obscure real trends.

By

Nigel Duara

• February 3, 2022

Commentary

Success is reducing jail population and improving public safety

Santa Clara County will decide whether to build a new jail or continue to focus on expanding safe alternatives to incarceration.

By

Guest Commentary

• January 24, 2022

Commentary

Don’t shut down efforts to close the justice gap

The state bar is considering whether to disband or suspend a task force exploring how to close the justice gap for many Californians.

By

Guest Commentary

• January 19, 2022

Justice

COVID cases triple in California juvenile prisons

The state discloses little about COVID in its juvenile prisons, but an internal memo reveals that one youth recently was hospitalized with severe symptoms.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• January 12, 2022

Commentary

Tough-on-crime debate needs balance of effective policies

Probation officers know the best approach in dealing with crime is an effective combination of accountability plus opportunity and rehabilitation.

By

Guest Commentary

• January 12, 2022

Criminal Justice