Civil Rights
Jun. 3, 2026
Racial Justice Act sets off turf war between courts, lawmakers
Four rulings set limits on automatic reversal, sharpening a fight between lawmakers, judges and advocates over whether racism can be "harmless."
The Racial Justice Act started as a political battle over the role of race in criminal prosecution and sentencing. But it has evolved into a turf battle between judges and lawmakers.
The latest salvo came on Monday. In four decisions issued simultaneously, the California Supreme Court carved out a role for judicial discretion as courts cope with a flood of appeals under the act. But advocates for the act say that discretion, in particular, the concept of "harmless error"...
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