Criminal Justice
Pa. Supreme Court to hear latest Abu-Jamal case filings
The latest appeal filed by Mumia Abu-Jamal and a related suit brought by the widow of Officer Daniel Faulkner will now go before Pennsylvania's Supreme Court.
5 years ago
District attorney diverting youth from the juvenile justice system into arts classes
The Philly District Attorney’s office has begun diverting young people into an after-school arts program for a chance to expunge their records.
5 years ago
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
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
The DA primary race: Carlos Vega
As Tuesday's primary election draws closer, we continue our conversation about the race for District Attorney with Carlos Vega.
Air Date: May 13, 2021
Listen 49:44![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
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
The DA primary race: Larry Krasner
The Pennsylvania primary is next Tuesday and, for Philadelphians, that means making a decision about who will be the city's District Attorney.
Air Date: May 12, 2021
Listen 49:43
Prosecutor plans to seek death penalty in Atlanta spa shootings
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis also filed notice that she intends to seek hate crime charges and the death penalty against Robert Aaron Long, who is white.
5 years ago
4 ex-cops indicted on US civil rights charges in Floyd death
All four officers are charged for their failure to provide Floyd with medical care. Chauvin was also charged in a second indictment, stemming from the arrest of a 14-year-old.
5 years ago
Philly’s police union and diversity top issues at DA candidate forum
The forum, hosted by the Omega Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, also touched on the city’s gun violence epidemic.
5 years ago
Philly’s gun violence epidemic the top issue at Krasner, Vega debate
Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic took center stage during a heated, wide-ranging debate between the two Democrats running to become the city’s next district attorney.
5 years ago
DA’s Conviction Integrity Unit gains exoneration in 2010 murder case
The Conviction Integrity Unit found police beat Obina Onyiah to coerce a confession in the slaying of a Lawncrest jewelry store owner William Glatz.
5 years ago
Chauvin’s lawyer seeks new trial, impeachment of verdict
Derek Chauvin was convicted last month of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25 death of George Floyd.
5 years ago
Billy Penn
Philly DA race: With no party endorsement, Vega and Krasner wrestle for support
The challenger has more union backing, while the incumbent has more pols in his corner.
5 years ago