Will court reforms bring justice to Ferguson?
US News
Will court reforms bring justice to Ferguson?
Ferguson’s new municipal court judge has announced sweeping reforms to the city’s municipal court, following a scathing report that found the city had been charging its African-American residents escalating fines for minor offenses and placing them in jail if they were unable to pay. Judge Donald McCullin issued orders to withdraw all arrest warrants issued before December 31, 2014, and change the conditions for pretrial release from police custody. In the new changes, defendants will be given new court dates, and rather than jail people for failure to pay fines, the court will provide alternative payment plans, commute fines for needy persons or require community service.
These changes should continue the process of restoring confidence in the court, alleviating fears of the consequences of appearing in court and giving many residents a fresh start.
Judge Donald McCullin
According to McCullin’s plan, if an arrest warrant is issued for a minor traffic violation, the defendant will not be incarcerated but instead will be released on their own recognizance and given another court date. The previous municipal judge resigned in March after a U.S. Justice Department report said Ferguson’s municipal court system worked together with the police force to exploit people in order to raise revenue. The report also cited that Ferguson police targeted blacks, who make up about two-thirds of the city’s 21,000 residents. The Justice Department launched its investigation into Ferguson’s police department and municipal court following nationwide protests sparked by the shooting of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown by white police officer Darren Wilson.
Many individuals whose licenses have been suspended will be able to obtain them and take advantage of the benefits of being able to drive. Moreover, defendants will not be disadvantaged in being afforded pretrial release because of the inability to make bond.
Judge Donald McCullin
