Courts & Law
Billy Penn
DA Larry Krasner beats Carlos Vega in heated Democratic primary
The win is seen as a boost for the district attorney’s progressive policies and the criminal justice reform movement nationwide.
5 years ago
The next generation of civil rights lawyers could start here
A new program run by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund seeking to launch the next generation of civil rights lawyers has named its inaugural class of 10 scholars.
5 years ago
Supreme Court restricts police authority to enter a home without a warrant
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday against warrantless searches by police and seizures in the home.
5 years ago
‘Watershed moment’: Philly’s new police oversight board moves forward
A Philadelphia City Council committee overwhelmingly passed legislation laying out the duties and powers of the new Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
5 years ago
6abc
Charges dismissed against former Philadelphia police officer who pepper-sprayed protesters
Charges have been dismissed against a former Philadelphia SWAT officer who was caught on video pepper-spraying protesters on the I-676 during a BLM protest last summer.
5 years ago
Spotlight PA
FBI probe of massive Pa. pension fund seeks evidence of kickbacks or bribery
Subpoenas reviewed by Spotlight PA and The Philadelphia Inquirer lay bare the scope of the federal investigation into Pennsylvania's $64 billion public school pension fund.
5 years ago
After Chauvin verdict, Black police officers consider what has changed
After the murder conviction of Derek Chauvin, Black police officers in America are considering what's changed and what hasn't in the year since George Floyd's death.
5 years ago
Eyes on the Street
I know the dangers of cooperating with ICE. The DA race could bring them back
Immigration activist Erika Almirón on why Philadelphia should not return to cooperating with ICE, something DA candidate Carlos Vega has said he will do.
5 years ago
Report: Less than 1% of civilian complaints filed against Philly police result in discipline
A forthcoming report from the city’s Police Advisory Commission found that citizen complaints more often result in training and counseling for the accused officer.
5 years ago
NFL families seek to end ‘race-norming’ in $1B settlement
Under the settlement, the NFL has insisted on using a scoring algorithm on the dementia testing that assumes Black men start with lower cognitive skills.
5 years ago
Following abuse allegations, Delco to create oversight board to lead juvenile detention center
With an investigation pending and the potential for litigation, the county is hoping to correct its past by establishing a board to oversee its detention center.
5 years ago
![Asked if his run for DA was a vendetta for being fired, Vega vigorously denied the idea. He had never before wanted to run for office, the former homicide prosecutor said, but the escalating murder rate in the city drove him into the political ring. “I see the numbers of murders that have been happening since [Krasner] took office. Just this past year, 499 murders,” Vega said. “As a father, a single dad, a person of color — we suffer the most. I decided to run for office.” Krasner countered that the rise in gun violence is not related to his policy reforms. “In 50 major U.S. cities last year the increase in gun violence was 42%. The increase in Philly is 40%, which is terrible, but what is happening is not unique to Philly,” Krasner said. “The FOP and their candidate — my opponent — are weaponizing a national tragedy.” Other issues got little air time, and there was little difference in the candidates’ responses. Each tread similar ground when asked about the opioid crisis in the Kensington neighborhood, saying aggressive prosecution of those living with addiction should be a low priority, with the city instead offering social services and diversionary programs to avoid criminal proceedings and jail time. Krasner also said his office has been working with the FBI on wiretapping investigations to identify and arrest major dealers and those involved in drug trafficking, though he declined to elaborate.](https://whyy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/krasner-vega-1-360x280.jpg "krasner-vega")
Final Philly DA debate: Vega touts putting police in prison, Krasner says opponent lied in court
The two Democratic candidates for district attorney traded jabs and accusations during a live broadcast on WURD, Philly’s only Black-owned radio station.
5 years ago
Diversity, residency requirements top issues at Philly police budget hearing
Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposed budget would flat-fund the department at $727 million.
5 years ago
Can COVID concerns get me out of jury duty? Can the courts legally ask if I’m vaccinated?
Morning Edition host Jennifer Lynn speaks with attorney Joe Oxman about the pandemic’s effect on the legal system as Philly begins to reintroduce jury trials.
5 years ago
Listen 4:29
Suit: Workers lured to N.J. from India paid $1.20 per hour for years
The lawsuit filed in federal court accuses the leaders of the organization known as BAPS of human trafficking and wage law violations.
5 years ago