South SFV Today

Stanford Law School Professor David Sklansky has called for comprehensive reforms in the U.S. criminal justice system, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining democratic governance. Drawing from his experience as a former federal prosecutor and insights from his new book, "Criminal Justice in Divided America: Police, Punishment, and the Future of Our Democracy," Sklansky highlights the complex views jurors hold about crime and policing.

Sklansky argues that failures within the criminal justice system are deeply linked to challenges facing democracy today. "Anyone who cares about democracy needs to care about criminal justice," he states, advocating for policies that garner bipartisan support by acknowledging America's pluralistic nature.

In addressing police reform, Sklansky emphasizes both oversight and support for law enforcement while recognizing legitimate public concerns about crime. He critiques past community policing efforts for neglecting diverse voices within communities and stresses the need to reduce police violence.

Sklansky also advocates for revitalizing the jury system as a democratic tool by making it more inclusive and representative. He suggests reducing plea bargains to increase jury trials, which he sees as vital to democratic pluralism.

He sees potential for bipartisan reform of prosecutorial power by aligning concerns across political lines. Despite deep national divides, Sklansky remains optimistic about opportunities for meaningful change, citing consensus on issues like excessive punishment.

His call to action includes ensuring that criminal justice supports democratic values such as rule of law and objective truth. Sklansky believes successful reforms could serve as models for broader governmental changes.

"Reform is essential for repairing our democracy," he concludes, pointing to bipartisan efforts like Donald Trump's signing of the First Step Act as evidence of potential progress.