THE JOURNAL
Justice
Mike Romano: John Bergeron Freed From 135-to-Life Sentence & an Update on California’s “Second Look” Law
In 2005, John was sentenced under the Three Strikes law for a series of robberies following a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, neglect, homelessness, and drug use. His extreme sentence, which effectively ensured he would die in prison, served as a wake-up call, and John spent the next 17 years trying to redeem himself and make amends for the harm he caused.
Mike Romano: Governor Newsom Grants Clemency to Two Clients Serving Life Sentences
Following over twenty years behind bars, Robert Escareno and Rodney Henderson have been granted clemency by Governor Gavin Newsom following good behavior and their dedication to rehabilitation.
Crime Story LA
Los Angeles Rapper Drakeo the Ruler Stabbed and Killed at L.A. Music Festival
Los Angeles rapper Drakeo the Ruler was stabbed and killed last night at the Once Upon a Time Festival in L.A.
Crime Story has published three stories about the legal...
About That 70’s Show
Carla Cackowski reflects on the culpability of the average viewer who may have — intentionally or not — lifted up a person not deserving of public adulation.
Charles Bagli on Chavin’s Choice
Journalist Charles Bagli profiles Nick Chavin, the man who became his trusted source on the Durst story, and then — ultimately — the Los Angeles prosecutors’ star witness in Robert Durst's murder trial.
Editors Blog
The Killing of Ahmaud Arbery: Prosecutor’s Rebuttal Closing — Part 1
You can find a collection of media coverage of the McMichaels / Bryan trial here.
Jury Duty host Kary Antholis continues his gavel to gavel examination of the trial of Travis and...
New Episode of Jury Duty: The Killing of Ahmaud Arbery: Defense Closing – Part 6
You can find a collection of media coverage of the McMichaels / Bryan trial here.
Jury Duty host Kary Antholis continues his gavel to gavel examination of the trial of Travis and...
New Episode of Jury Duty: The Killing of Ahmaud Arbery: Defense Closing – Part 5
You can find a collection of media coverage of the McMichaels / Bryan trial here.
Jury Duty host Kary Antholis continues his gavel to gavel examination of the trial of Travis and...
Expert Witness
Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 95
In Part 95, Judge Mader concludes her chronicle of a year in the life of a judge. In her afterword, Judge Mader reflects on the family members who got her to where she is today.
Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 94
In Part 94, Judge Mader recounts a unique apology from a defendant’s family member to a victim’s family during a sentencing hearing. The Judge also details a catch-22 situation where a defendant is deemed neither competent enough to enter a plea because nor eligible for release without a trial.
Inside the Robe: A Judge’s Candid Tale of Criminal Justice in America – Part 93
In Part 93, Judge Mader explains a tactic she uses both to discipline herself to follow the law and to discourage prosecutors from over-charging. She also reflects on a plea deal she approved that she has come to feel is unfair to the victims in the case.
Justice
Mike Romano: John Bergeron Freed From 135-to-Life Sentence & an Update on California’s “Second Look” Law
In 2005, John was sentenced under the Three Strikes law for a series of robberies following a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, neglect, homelessness, and drug use. His extreme sentence, which effectively ensured he would die in prison, served as a wake-up call, and John spent the next 17 years trying to redeem himself and make amends for the harm he caused.
Mike Romano: Governor Newsom Grants Clemency to Two Clients Serving Life Sentences
Following over twenty years behind bars, Robert Escareno and Rodney Henderson have been granted clemency by Governor Gavin Newsom following good behavior and their dedication to rehabilitation.
Mike Romano: Darrell Ellis Freed from 200-Years-To-Life Sentence & the Los Angeles Times Covers Policy Successes
After almost two decades behind bars, Darrell Ellis has made good on his promise to address his addiction and work on improving himself. As a result, he has been freed from his 200-years-to-life sentence. And a profile by the Los Angeles Times sheds new light on our policy reform work.