Kamala Harris took on her role as Vice President of the United States, with her record as a former Attorney General in California is coming under increased scrutiny.
During her time as AG, Harris was known for her tough stance on crime, earning her the nickname “The Top Cop.” However, some criminal justice advocates are now raising questions about the methods she used to put criminals behind bars, and whether innocent people may have been wrongly convicted as a result.
One of the key criticisms of Harris’ record is her use of “predatory prosecutions,” a term used to describe aggressive prosecution tactics that are seen as overreaching. Some lawyers and advocates claim that these tactics resulted in convictions of people who may not have actually committed the crimes they were accused of.
Critics also point to instances in which Harris’ office fought to uphold wrongful convictions, even in the face of new evidence that pointed to the defendant’s innocence. In one high-profile case, an individual who had served over 20 years in prison was exonerated after DNA evidence proved their innocence.
These concerns are particularly pressing given the power that the Vice President holds in the criminal justice system. As the Vice President, Harris will play a key role in shaping national policy on issues like criminal justice reform, and some advocates worry that her past record could indicate a tendency to prioritize tough-on-crime tactics over ensuring that justice is served.
While Harris has yet to comment on these criticisms, they are sure to continue to be a topic of discussion as she takes on her new role. For many, the question remains: how many innocent people may have been wrongly convicted as a result of her predatory prosecutions?
