Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell and the Los Angeles Times have sparred over Kamala Harris's law and order policies in California, highlighting the impact of Proposition 47 and the proposed Proposition 36.
The tenure of former California Attorney General and current Vice President Kamala Harris has been marcado by debate over her approach to law and order. Critics, including civil rights attorney Leo Terrell, have accused Harris of contributing to the rise in crime by supporting policies that they argue have weakened law enforcement.
One of the key issues at the center of this debate is Proposition 47, which was passed by California voters in 2014 and reduced penalties for certain drug and theft crimes. Proposition 47 was aimed at addressing mass incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal justice system. However, critics have argued that it has led to an increase in crime, particularly property crime and drug abuse.
Kamala Harris's Law and Order Record Under Fire in California
In response to these concerns, Proposition 36 was proposed to increase penalties for crimes such as retail theft and drug possession. The Los Angeles Times editorial board has vehemently opposed Proposition 36, claiming that it is unnecessary and will only lead to increased prison populations and punish people for drug addiction.
The editorial board maintains that Proposition 47 has been a "smart" reform that brought California's theft laws in line with other states and reduced drug possession to a misdemeanor offense. They argue that the real problem lies with police departments failing to make misdemeanor arrests and prioritize more serious crimes.
Kamala Harris's Law and Order Record Under Fire in California
The editorial board also criticizes Proposition 36 for targeting drug offenders, claiming that it will overcrowd prisons and do nothing to address the underlying issues of addiction and homelessness. They argue that the savings from Proposition 47 have been used to fund anti-recidivism programs, trauma recovery for crime victims, and school programs.
Despite the editorial board's opposition to Proposition 36, polls indicate that a majority of California voters support stricter penalties for drug and theft crimes. A recent statewide survey found that over 70% of likely voters back reforms to Proposition 47 and plan to vote "yes" on the measure in the November election.
Kamala Harris's Law and Order Record Under Fire in California
The debate over Harris's law and order record highlights the complex and often conflicting priorities in the criminal justice system. While some argue that policies that reduce incarceration can address racial disparities and mass incarceration, others contend that they embolden criminals and lead to increased crime.
The outcome of Proposition 36 will provide further insight into California voters' views on these issues and the future direction of law and order policies in the state.
Kamala Harris's Law and Order Record Under Fire in California
