While DeSantis’ approach has been the most aggressive yet, it’s far from the only effort against prosecutors. The New Republic argues it’s no coincidence that DeSantis went after Warren over criminal laws that would marginalize transgender people and pregnant patients. Writing in the Tampa Bay Times, four criminologists argue that contrary to DeSantis’ attacks, Warren has “been vigorously prosecuting felony cases and the most impactful crimes.” The Tallahassee Democrat notes that the same day Warren was removed from his job by an armed deputy, his office announced indictments in the 1983 rape and murder of two women.ĭeSantis’ hand-picked replacement has already begun to roll back some of Warren’s more progressive policies - like non-prosecution of many non-violent misdemeanors - leaving some people worried that Black and poor Floridians will suffer under a more punitive regime. “By challenging this illegal abuse of power, we make sure that no governor can toss out the results of an election because he doesn’t like the outcome,” said Warren, who was elected by voters in his county in 20. On Wednesday, Warren sued DeSantis in federal court.
DeSantis made the same point about a similar letter Warren signed on the criminalization of abortion this summer. Despite the fact that Florida currently has no such laws, DeSantis argued that “these statements prove that Warren thinks he has the authority to defy the Florida Legislature” and ignore laws he disagrees with. Ron DeSantis suspended State Attorney Andrew Warren, arguing that Warren was neglecting his duty to enforce the law.ĭeSantis noted that Warren was among several prosecutors nationwide who signed a letter opposing state laws seeking to criminalize transgender people in 2021. The most extreme example comes from Hillsborough County, Florida, home to Tampa. This has been an animating principle behind the rise of the so-called progressive prosecutor movement, and now some conservative opponents are targeting that discretion in a bid to shut the movement down. Prosecutors have a tremendous amount of discretion around the criminal charges they do and - just as importantly - do not pursue. Want this delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to future newsletters here.
This is The Marshall Project’s new Closing Argument newsletter, a weekly deep dive into a key criminal justice issue from reporter Jamiles Lartey.
0 kommentar(er)
