What the San Francisco DA Recall Really Tells Us. And What it Doesn’t.

By John Pfaff

The city’s demographics mattered, as did Chesa Boudin’s outsider status. But the politics of punishment are still too complicated to draw a neat conclusion.

More in Archive

Reality Policing TV Is Back And More Pervasive Than Ever

November 14, 2023 Latest

After George Floyd's murder, reality policing shows were cancelled, and network execs promised they'd never be back. But three years later, they're back—and thriving.

By Sean Campbell

Does The Allegheny County DA’s Criminal Justice Strategy Unfairly Punish Black people?

November 3, 2023 Investigations

An analysis of the county's criminal court cases shows that Black people have been prosecuted by the DA’s office at 5.8 times the rate of white people, and charged with felonies more frequently.

By Sean Campbell

In Louisiana, Police Reform Led Directly To A “Torture Warehouse.”

October 13, 2023 Latest

This story was produced in partnership with Slate. A new lawsuit filed in federal court last month alleges that the Baton...

By Brandon Soderberg

Former Death Row Prisoner Files Lawsuit Against Moonlighting Prosecutor

September 20, 2023 Latest

Clinton Young is suing a prosecutor who simultaneously worked for judges presiding over his cases.

By Roxanna Asgarian

Florida Has Found A New Way To Thwart Reform Prosecutors

September 19, 2023 Commentary

A plan in Florida to review its judicial circuits will disenfranchise Black voters, the most reliable political base for reform prosecutors.

By John Pfaff

Texas Takes Attacks on Austin to New Level With “Death Star” Law

August 23, 2023 Commentary

This story was produced in partnership with Slate. On Sept. 1, a bill with the pithy title “An Act Relating...

By John Pfaff

Aim Lower

July 6, 2023 Commentary

Liberals have lost the Supreme Court for a generation. Their only hope is to seize state courts and launch a counterrevolution.

By James Forman and Lara Bazelon

Data Undercuts Key Law Enforcement Claim About San Francisco’s Fentanyl Trafficking Crackdown

May 26, 2023 Latest

San Francisco’s top prosecutor says massive resources are needed to rebut human trafficking defenses, but it’s hard to find many instances where that has happened.

By Zachary Siegel