To the editor: This latest article asserts that the Racial Justice Act “has hardly been used” (“18 prisoners search decreased sentences below California’s hardly ever used Racial Justice Act,” Nov. 20). I used to be shocked by this characterization given the 1000’s of Racial Justice Act claims which were filed in superior and appellate courts throughout California. Actually, my workplace has filed and argued a number of circumstances with Racial Justice Act claims within the California Supreme Courtroom this time period alone.
Throughout the state, incarcerated individuals, and tons of of public defenders, have undertaken herculean efforts to offer life to the Racial Justice Act’s promise. Day-after-day, in prisons, jails and courtrooms, Racial Justice Act motions are drafted, data compiled and arguments made. Few of those circumstances have the sources of an establishment like Stanford Regulation Faculty behind them, however they’re no much less worthy, and the individuals bringing them no much less deserving of recognition.
Addressing many years of racial disparities would require a broad coalition. However as with many reforms, California’s public defenders have led this work — quietly, with restricted sources — to serve their purchasers and strengthen our justice system for all.
Galit Lipa, Culver Metropolis
This author is the state public defender on the Workplace of the State Public Defender.
