Tag: carceral state

California’s tough-on-crime past haunts Kamala Harris

The laws strengthening criminal penalties drove a surge in the state’s prison population over 30 years, beginning in the 1970s. Under both Republicans and Democrats — including Kamala Harris, who became a prosecutor in 1990 — a tough-on-crime political culture flourished in California, and African Americans were hit hardest: Their incarceration rate remains more than five times their share of California’s population.

The crackdown on crime swept most of the country, but California stood out as one of the most aggressive states. Only recently has it begun shedding its lock-’em-up mind-set.

Keep reading

States have authority to fine or jail people who refuse coronavirus vaccine, attorney says

 As drugmakers race to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus, several legal questions are emerging: could the government require people to get it? Could people who refuse to roll up their sleeves get banned from stores or lose their jobs?

The short answer is yes, according to Dov Fox, a law professor and the director of the Center for Health Law Policy and Bioethics at the University of San Diego.

“States can compel vaccinations in more or less intrusive ways,” he said in an interview. “They can limit access to schools or services or jobs if people don’t get vaccinated. They could force them to pay a fine or even lock them up in jail.”

Keep reading

Indiana Makes Not Wearing Mask a Class B Misdemeanor, Punishable by 6 Months in Jail

Search

U.S.

Indiana Makes Not Wearing Mask a Class B Misdemeanor, Punishable by 6 Months in Jail

BY EWAN PALMER ON 7/23/20 AT 11:14 AM EDT03:53Which U.S. States Require Face Masks In Public To Curb The Spread Of Coronavirus?SHAREU.S.INDIANACORONAVIRUSFACE MASKSCRIME

The Governor of Indiana has announced all residents and visitors in the state will be required to wear face coverings such as masks in public or risk facing a criminal charge.

Governor Eric Holcomb is due to sign an Executive Order which will mean a statewide mask requirement would take effect in Indiana on July 27.

Those who don’t follow the new order could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine and up to six months in jail.

Holcomb said that by “masking up, we can and will save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19″ in the state.

Keep reading