Progressive Politics and Policy Setting: Examining Criminal Justice Reform Efforts by Black Prosecutors

Abstract

Increasing awareness of racial disparities in case processing and sentencing has led justice reform advocates to challenge locally elected officials, specifically chief prosecutors, to address disparate treatment through criminal justice reforms. Elected prosecutors within across several jurisdictions have attempted to address these concerns by adopting “smart-on-crime” policies. However, the extent to which chief prosecutors have adopted such policies has been unexplored empirically. Additionally, little is known about prosecutors’ support for these changes in smaller jurisdictions. The current study explores the political platforms and reform efforts of progressive-oriented prosecutors, highlighting the reform efforts of Black chief prosecutors. Findings suggest that reformed-minded Black prosecutors adopt policies aimed at addressing disparate treatment and positively influencing public perceptions and legitimacy of the office.