Thursday, April 11, 3–4 p.m. ET
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Misdemeanors, not violent offenses, dominate criminal justice. A decade of reforms has shrunk the sprawling misdemeanor system, but the prosecution of shoplifting, traffic violations, and other lesser offenses remains a burden on vulnerable communities and law enforcement resources while providing questionable public safety benefits.

A new Brennan Center report zooms in on New York City as a case study for how misdemeanor enforcement has changed in recent years, offering insights into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and reform initiatives such as the decriminalization of low-level drug possession. But even as overall caseloads have declined, stark racial disparities persist. Join us for a virtual discussion about this under-examined part of our criminal justice system.

Speakers: Bria L. Gillum, Senior Program Officer, MacArthur Foundation Criminal Justice Program // Josephine Hahn, Senior Research Fellow, Brennan Center Justice Program // Jerry Clayton, Sheriff, Washtenaw County, Michigan

Tuesday, April 30, 3–4 p.m. ET
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Threats are part of the disturbing new reality of American politics. While abuse directed at federal officeholders grabs the headlines, a new Brennan Center report reveals that intimidation aimed at state and local officials is distressingly common: 43 percent of state legislators, for example, have experienced threats within the past three years.

In addition to menacing public servants and their families, these threats have serious repercussions for representative democracy. Officeholders report being less willing to work on contentious issues like reproductive rights and gun control and reluctant to continue serving. Additionally, intimidation is often targeted at groups already underrepresented in government, such as women and people of color. Join us for a virtual discussion of this alarming trend as well as recommendations to stem the abuse.

Speakers: Anna Eskamani, State Representative, Florida House of Representatives // Gowri Ramachandran, Deputy Director, Brennan Center Elections and Government Program // Tom Roberts, Former Assemblymember, Nevada State Assembly // Moderator: Deirdre Walsh, Congressional Correspondent, NPR // Opening Remarks: Letitia James, Attorney General, New York State