“Science doesn’t support prosecution of second graders,” one lawyer said. Still, in New York, children as young as 7 can be charged with a crime. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Law and Legislation”
Yes, Pot Is Legal. But It’s Also in Short Supply in NY and NJ
By Gotham Rex on May 23, 2021
Cannabis corporations are rushing to meet what is expected to be a “tidal wave” of demand in New York and New Jersey. Source: New York Times
This Heroin-Using Professor Wants to Change How We Think About Drugs
By Gotham Rex on April 10, 2021
Prof. Carl Hart saw drugs as destroyers of communities. Then he saw the positive side. “We have miseducated the public,” he said. Source: New York Times
New York Will End Long-Term Solitary Confinement in Prisons and Jails
By Gotham Rex on April 1, 2021
Isolation for more than 15 consecutive days will be barred in prisons and jails starting next March after years of efforts to restrict the practice. Source: New York Times
New York Reaches a Deal to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
By Gotham Rex on March 25, 2021
The move paves the way for a potential $4.2 billion industry, with millions of dollars in sales tax revenue reinvested in minority communities each year. Source: New York Times
N.Y.C. Creates Racial Justice Commission to Address Inequality
By Gotham Rex on March 23, 2021
A new racial justice commission will make policy recommendations that could include baby bonds, a jobs guarantee or reparations for Black residents. Source: New York Times
For Chuck Schumer, a Dream Job Comes With Tall Orders
By Gotham Rex on March 9, 2021
After ascending to the top Senate job during the assault on the Capitol, Mr. Schumer faces a different kind of challenge: steering President Biden’s agenda with no margin for error. Source: New York Times
Marijuana Is Legal in New Jersey, but Sales Are Months Away
By Gotham Rex on February 22, 2021
Legislation signed on Monday decriminalizes the use or possession of up to six ounces of cannabis, ending an era of disproportionate arrests in communities of color. Source: New York Times
Cuomo Faces Revolt After Handling of Nursing Home Deaths
By Gotham Rex on February 17, 2021
Democratic lawmakers have begun to challenge Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s handling of virus-related nursing home deaths, and the governor also faces a federal inquiry. Source: New York Times
N.Y. Repeals Law That Critics Say Criminalized ‘Walking While Trans’
By Gotham Rex on February 3, 2021
The anti-loitering law was designed to discourage street prostitution, but was viewed by L.G.B.T.Q. advocates as a cudgel to harass transgender people. Source: New York Times
The Evictions Are Coming in NY and Housing Activists Are Ready
By Gotham Rex on December 23, 2020
Orders to halt evictions in New York expire soon. What happens next? Source: New York Times
N.J. Approves $14 Billion in Corporate Tax Breaks in Less Than a Week
By Gotham Rex on December 21, 2020
The incentive package was pushed by Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a progressive Democrat who has railed against similar tax breaks in the past. His allies are not happy. Source: New York Times
Recreational Marijuana Legalized by New Jersey Voters
By Gotham Rex on November 3, 2020
Voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis in New Jersey, putting pressure on neighboring states like New York. Source: New York Times
About 20% of N.J. Prisoners Could Be Freed to Avoid Virus
By Gotham Rex on July 30, 2020
Believed to be the first Covid-19 bill of its kind, the legislation could free more than 3,000 New Jersey prisoners who are within a year of release. Source: New York Times
'Freeholder,' Title ‘Born From Racism,’ to Be Eliminated
By Gotham Rex on July 11, 2020
New Jersey will replace “freeholder,” the 18th-century designation for county lawmakers, with the word “commissioner.” Source: New York Times