Left-wing initiative requiring prosecutors to consider race in plea deals to take effect imminently

In a controversial move, prosecutors in a left-wing Minnesota county attorney’s office will now be required to take defendants’ race into account when crafting plea deals. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, led by Mary Moriarty, issued an internal document titled “Negotiations Policy for Cases Involving Adult Defendants,” directing prosecutors to consider “racial identity and age” during plea negotiations.

According to a report by local outlet KARE 11, the document states that while racial identity and age should not be the sole basis for plea deal decisions, they should be part of the overall analysis. The goal is to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system and improve community safety by considering these factors in the negotiation process.

The policy changes are set to take effect on April 28, and have already sparked concerns about their constitutionality. Legal experts have weighed in on the issue, with some expressing doubts about the legality of taking race into account when making prosecutorial decisions.

However, supporters of the policy argue that the goal is to avoid racial disparities in the criminal justice system, rather than perpetuate them. By acknowledging the impact of unconscious biases on decision-making, prosecutors hope to achieve more equitable outcomes for defendants of all backgrounds.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office defended the new policy, stating that race is an important factor to consider in plea negotiations to address unconscious biases and reduce disparities. The office emphasized its commitment to achieving safe, equitable, and just outcomes that prioritize the healing of victims and improve public safety.

Mary Moriarty, who has been supported by groups linked to liberal mega-donor George Soros, has faced criticism in the past for her handling of high-profile cases. Most recently, her office came under fire for opting for diversion instead of criminal charges against a state employee accused of vandalizing several Tesla vehicles. The decision to seek diversion was based on the belief that it would help the individual keep their job and pay restitution.

Despite the controversy surrounding the new plea deal policy, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office remains committed to its mission of promoting justice and equity in the criminal justice system. Time will tell how these changes will impact the prosecution of cases in the county and whether they will lead to more equitable outcomes for defendants of all races.