Author: Samuel Weiscovitz

The California Attorney General’s constitutional authority over criminal justice reform during the COVID-19 pandemic

The California Attorney General’s constitutional authority over criminal justice reform during the COVID-19 pandemic

Overview The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed nearly every aspect of life in California, including our criminal justice system.[1] It also may portend economic dire straits.[2] These circumstances will compel California to make difficult choices, including in the capital case arena — which has always been “the antithesis of efficient and effective use of government time and resources.”[3] The state Attorney General can mitigate some of these issues by using that office’s constitutional authority to exercise leadership in criminal justice reform. This can be done by acknowledging errors in capital and other criminal cases, arguing for changes in existing law where...