Also, just struck me: this was a misdemeanor.
Tho framed in the article as a restorative justice case, this sort of thing—charge, wait, programming, dismiss—is how the ENTIRE misdemeanor system in NYC operates.
Tho framed in the article as a restorative justice case, this sort of thing—charge, wait, programming, dismiss—is how the ENTIRE misdemeanor system in NYC operates.
https://twitter.com/johnfpfaff/status/1361732205895180293
The conventional framing is an “ACD”: adjournment in contemplation of dismissal.
The case is held open (the A) to see if the def does certain things (the C), in which case it is dropped (the D).
Thousands and thousands of times per year. This wasn’t some unique outcome!
The case is held open (the A) to see if the def does certain things (the C), in which case it is dropped (the D).
Thousands and thousands of times per year. This wasn’t some unique outcome!
I mean... I’m not one to deny the racism inherent in our crim justice system! But the handling of this case looks like pure routine misdemeanor.
Now, there’s a lot to criticize even abt the ACD—like good luck getting a job or an apt or a loan during the A—but that’s a dif issue.
Now, there’s a lot to criticize even abt the ACD—like good luck getting a job or an apt or a loan during the A—but that’s a dif issue.
Which is to say: the ACD itself is not nothing. And Cooper already lost her job and will likely struggle to find anything similar, so there’s a life-long effective fine as well.
But the outrage here is understandable but... tricky. And somewhat misstates the uniqueness.
But the outrage here is understandable but... tricky. And somewhat misstates the uniqueness.
If anything, look at everyone saying “this ACD was nothing.” This is a chance to teach ppl how WRONG that is.
Bc as long as we view the ACD as nothing—despite its court dates, its impact on background checks, etc—DAs will keep overusing it, thinking it is “nothing.”
Bc as long as we view the ACD as nothing—despite its court dates, its impact on background checks, etc—DAs will keep overusing it, thinking it is “nothing.”
And they will keep overusing mostly against ppl of color, obviously.
So, as is too often the case, outrage tied to a weak understanding of how the system operates and all its subtle but devastating costs can lead to a narrative framing that is net harmful.
So, as is too often the case, outrage tied to a weak understanding of how the system operates and all its subtle but devastating costs can lead to a narrative framing that is net harmful.
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