Links of Interest
What We Read, November 7-11, 2011
Criminal Justice Court Reform:
- In April, we linked to a This American Life episode about a judge in Georgia’s Drug Court who was punishing defendants harshly in contrast with rehabilitative goals of drugs courts. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Georgia’s Judicial Qualifications Commission has brought charges against Judge Amanda Williams to determine if she presented “false statements, engaged in nepotism and favoritism and used rude, abusive and insulting language to those who have appeared before her in court”. This American Life has posted a copy of the filing (.pdf).
Immigration Court Reform:
- Paul Atkinson at the Fronteras Desk examines what the recall of Russell Pearce in Arizona means for the immigration debate.
Community Justice and Reform:
- An ID requirement for voters was approved in Mississippi yesterday. Many groups, like the NAACP and the ACLU, warn that ID requirements like these disenfranchise poor, older, or otherwise disadvantaged voters. Challenges to the law are expected.
- Holly Petraeus, assistant director of the Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and wife of retired General David Petraeus , has been advocating for consumer education and the financial protection of service members. Earlier this month, she testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.
- In a move toward greater oversight and accountability, Chicago’s City Council has appointed a Legislative Inspector General with some authority to investigate the city’s alderman who are beyond the reach of the city’s Inspector General.
- Of personal interested to one of our staff attorneys, GRID Chicago reports on the construction of protected bike lanes on the southside of Chicago.