Opening Arguments Entrenched Power Hates It When Actual Progressives Are in Office
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Aug 1, 2025 Chesa Boudin, Former San Francisco District Attorney and now an academic focused on criminal justice reform, discusses his tenure and the significant challenges he faced as a progressive prosecutor. He reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced incarceration practices and highlights the importance of systemic reforms. Boudin reflects on the political turbulence surrounding his recall, the impact of crime narratives, and the need for compassion in justice system reforms. He also addresses the critical issues of recidivism and how financial influence shapes political outcomes.
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Chesa Boudin's Steep Start
- Chesa Boudin faced a steep learning curve starting as SF DA amid COVID-19 and political resistance.
- His first year in office drastically changed due to the pandemic and unprecedented challenges.
Pandemic Shifted Crime and Justice
- The pandemic led to a dramatic drop in crime, mainly property crime, due to fewer opportunities.
- Zero money bail policy reduced incarceration and saved taxpayers money without increasing crime.
Prosecutors' Limited Impact on Crime
- Prosecutor policies have little direct impact on crime rates; broader social factors dominate.
- Tough-on-crime prosecutors' jurisdictions often have higher crime compared to reform prosecutors'.