Charged - book by Emily Bazelon re: Mass Incarceration

[wawa]

Has anybody read this book?

www.amazon.com/dp/B07FS6R3JR/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

The author, Emily Bazelon, was the speaker at my sister's law school graduation last night.  And while she was a pretty terrible graduation speaker (Not bad at speaking.  Just bad for a graduation.  talked for WAY too long, felt mildly condescending at times, was sorta preachy and lecturery which felt off for the venue.  Like talk about your thing (mass incarceration) but it's a graduation, not a symposium or lecture hall, and be aware that you're preaching to the choir given the school's rep) the topic was interesting and her premise was to encourage them all to get involved dismantling the prison industrial complex with a focus on DA's and local elections and how they really hold the reins right now on things that lead to mass incarceration.

Curious if people have thoughts.  On the topic, or on that book.  

[bugandbibs]

I have not read the book, but have listened to her podcasts on it and thought it was well researched and interesting. I really enjoy her on Political Gabfest.

[oliviapope]

I have not read that book, but she's right about local elections. Our new DA came in and fired essentially the entire narcotics department to start fresh. He's already proposed bail reform and not prosecuting for first time drug offenses.

[msmerymac]

I enjoy her writing and had heard she had a new book. I’ll check it out.

[aliciabella]

May 17, 2019 23:58:47 GMT -5 oliviapope said:

I have not read that book, but she's right about local elections. Our new DA came in and fired essentially the entire narcotics department to start fresh. He's already proposed bail reform and not prosecuting for first time drug offenses.

Yup, DAs are the ones who really hold the control over local incarcerations, far more than the police. Police can arrest but not charge. The DA really sets the mood and has a lot of influence. I haven't read her book but I'll check it out.