District attorneys are the most powerful players in the criminal justice system. But most people still don’t know who they are or what they do. Filter has conducted a first-of-its-kind investigation into where DAs representing the 50 most populous counties in the US stand on drug policy.
Our focus is on four issues: marijuana legalization, drug-induced homicide charges, mandatory minimum drug sentences, and criminal-justice approaches for addiction including drug courts and diversion programs. Spoiler: These elected prosecutors are largely out of step with the people to whom they’re responsible.
You can read the full report by investigator Rory Fleming here. And check out the graphics below (updated to reflect the outcomes of the November 6 elections).