Independent studies by civil rights lawyers in 2009 through 2011 revealed that the former possession of marijuana laws had a disparaging effect on the number of blacks arrested and charged for marijuana possession. In effect, the police’s use of the former marijuana laws appeared according to independent studies, to target young blacks and Hispanics which has lasting effects on their record. The new marijuana laws, contrary to what some may believe, do not make it legal to possess and smoke marijuana. They decriminalize possession of marijuana of less than one ounce, making it a $25 civil fine without an arrest, handcuffs, fingerprinting and jail. But the law is not quite as simple as it may sound. There are many nuances to the new marijuana law which some police officers claim will make it difficult for them to enforce. And the police are required to take a tutorial and training before making an arrest for marijuana. No one is free to light up marijuana and start walking … [Read more...] about Why D.C.’s New Marijuana Law Will Help Blacks
Archives for July 2014
One Year After the George Zimmerman Verdict
I still remember where I was, what I was doing and how I felt when the not guilty verdict of George Zimmerman for the murder of Trayvon Martin was announced. It seemed so surreal at the time. Before knowing the verdict would be announced, I was scheduled to appear on Fox 5 News in Washington, DC to give an update on the case at 10:00 PM on a Saturday evening. However, before I arrived at the station, the breaking news said a verdict had been reached. As I rushed to Fox 5 studios, I got in chair with mic on and waited for the verdict to be read. Although, I was in the local DC Fox studio, the station aired the Fox News network for the verdict. And I sat stunned, numb and outraged at the same time, but trying to appear expressionless as I heard the not guilty verdict read. And listening to the Fox News commentary while still in studio waiting my turn, I felt a sense of failure on the part of the criminal justice system, once again. The sense of failure on the part of the justice … [Read more...] about One Year After the George Zimmerman Verdict