TED Talks Daily Community-powered criminal justice reform | Raj Jayadev
Sep 13, 2019
In this conversation, Raj Jayadev, a passionate community organizer, shares his vision for transforming the US court system through participatory defense. He discusses how this grassroots movement empowers families to influence court outcomes, significantly impacting over 4,000 years of potential incarceration. Raj highlights personal stories of community support that have successfully humanized defendants and helped achieve justice. This innovative approach not only advocates for fairness but also reallocates resources towards positive social services, fostering real change.
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The Need for Participatory Defense
- Community organizing can create change, but it wasn't initially clear how to apply this power within the court system.
- People facing charges often lack resources and support, leading to plea deals in over 90% of cases.
Participatory Defense
- Use participatory defense to empower families and communities in court cases.
- Review police reports, investigate, and attend court to show support and impact outcomes.
Ramon Vasquez's Case
- Ramon Vasquez, a father of two, faced a life sentence for a gang-related murder he didn't commit.
- His family used participatory defense, uncovering contradictions and proving his innocence, leading to dismissed charges.