fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Understanding OATH TOTP authentications
By: Bun-Ny Tan
Tags: Authentication, Totp, Oath

Principles and intuitions

TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) algorithm is a HOTP (HMAC-based One-Time Password) algorithm extension. See my article dedicated to HOTP here: https://bntan.medium.com/understanding-oath-hotp-authentications-42dc6012c41d.

Like HOTP, TOTP is an OTP (One-Time Password) algorithm based on HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code) but takes the current time as the counter. HMAC algorithm was published in February 1997 (in RFC-2104), HOTP algorithm was published in December 2005 (in RFC-4226), and TOTP algorithm was published in May 2011 (in RFC-6238).

TOTP is one OATH (Open Authentication) cornerstone. OATH is an industry-wide collaboration that aims to promote strong authentication by leveraging existing open standards. TOTP provides an authentication method by symmetrically generating (on user side and on server side) human-readable codes or values, each, based on the current time, can be used only once.

TOTP algorithm key principles

This article does not intent to describe in deep the cryptography operations, algorithms used but gives some intuitions behind them.

TOTP values are calculated by the operation TOTP (K) = HOTP(K,C) = truncate(HMAC(K,C)) mod 10^d where

K is the secret key which is kept secret and shared by the user (in a token/mobile) and by the server

C is the counter which is based on the current time (see below)

d is the TOTP value size

Current time counter

The current time counter is calculated by the operation C = (T - To) / Tx where

T is the current time (e.g. unix time)

To is the epoch (e.g. unix epoch is 0)

Tx is one time duration (time duration between 2 TOTP)

HMAC algorithm

where

K is the secret key

C is the counter

H is a hash algorithm

ipad is the block-sized inner padding which corresponds to repeated value 0x36

opad is the block-sized outer padding which corresponds to repeated value 0x5c

|| denotes concatenation

+ denotes bitwise exclusive or (XOR)

Truncate operation

The truncate operation consists in

Taking the HMAC low-order 4 bits

Using them as a byte index i

Selecting 4 bytes starting at byte index i

truncate(HMAC) = HMAC[i:i+4]

Here is a truncate operation example

-------------------------------------------------------------

| HMAC Byte Number |

-------------------------------------------------------------

|00|01|02|03|04|05|06|07|08|09|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19|

-------------------------------------------------------------

| HMAC Byte Value |

-------------------------------------------------------------

|1f|86|98|69|0e|02|ca|16|61|85|50|ef|7f|19|da|8e|94|5b|55|5a|

-------------------------------***********-----------------+-

HMAC low-order 4 bits is 0xa (see + underlining)

The byte index i is 10 = 0xa

The selected 4 bytes starting at index 10 are 0x50ef7f19 (see * underlining). This is the truncated HMAC

Let’s now generate HOTP values step by step in practice using:
Client Credentials Grant
By: Kourtney Meiss
Tags: Box, Showcase, API, Authentication, Jwt

We are excited to announce a new server authentication method: Client Credentials Grant. Prior to today, we required a public/private key pair and assertion to verify an application’s identity and retrieve an Access Token. Now, with this open standard, you can request a token using only your client ID and client secret!

This authentication method is only available to new applications using the Custom Application app type and will not impact any existing applications. In addition, when you select your authentication method, you will now be unable to switch to another without creating a brand new application. To give Box Admins more visibility and control over what applications they approve, we will include the selected authentication method in the Enterprise Authorization request.

Similarly to generating a key pair via the Box Developer Console, we will now require your Box account to have 2FA enabled in order to view or copy your application’s client secret. As always, your client secret is confidential and should be protected. You can easily reset it at any time with the click of a button.

The Client Credentials Grant type is best used when creating machine to machine integrations where no end-user authentication is required. It’s the fastest and easiest way to prototype or script against your Box enterprise. In most cases, this grant type is used so that the server can act on behalf of the Box application. All applications leveraging the Client Credentials Grant type have an associated Service Account, which is an admin-like user that represents the application. For this reason, these applications require explicit authorization by a Box admin before use. Once approved, your application will make requests as the Service Account user by default.

To learn more about the Client Credentials Grant type, please visit our guide on JWT authentication without an SDK.
Review — Criminal Justice — Season 2 : Behind Closed Doors — Not for the faint hearted
By: The Recovering Reviewer
Tags: Pankaj Tripathi, Criminal Justice, Television, Review, Hotstar

This hotstar original (or Disney + Hotstar) or whatever it is called right now, is a mirror that you do not want to see. Is it a worthy continuation of its Season 1 where we felt traumatized for Aditya and his family? (I know I haven’t writtern a review for S1 yet, patience). The answer — No, it is much much more than that

The Plot — The plot is entirely predictable and in its truest sense not a shock to anybody who is watching it, but the beauty does not come because its relatable. The beauty comes from the sheer brutality with which the writer/s deliver this story — the reviewer found himself hoping the next scene was not what his mind would make him think it was. The story revolves around the murder of a respected public prosecutor (Bikram Chandra played by Jisshu Sengupta) by his aloof wife (Anuradha Chandra played by Kirti Kulhari). While from the outset it may seem an open and shut case — through its plot and characters it implores the viewer to understand that the truth is often not that simple.

The Performance — While there is often little to fault with a Pankaj Tripathi performance, this season is not built around him. The viewers are taken through the lens of multiple marital relationships such as the investigating police couple of Gauri and Harsh (portrayed to perfection by Kalyanee Mulay & Ajeet Singh Palawat), Nikhat’s mother who has forgotten what she deserves as a partner in a marriage (portrayed by Komal Chabbriya) and Ratna (Khusboo Atre)the victim of a seemingly awkward marriage with a dear star character in the show.The performances move you from comic laughter to an uneasy shock at a moment’s notice. Nothing to fault apart from a couple of lazy moments here and there (which can be easily forgiven)

The verdict — A must watch — Without divulging too much at this point that gets me into spoiler territory — if you are a member of the Indian society in the year 2020 this series is a must watch, not because you have nothing else to binge but because it will bring you face to face with demons that you know exist but haven’t acknowledged in our collective selves in far too long

Now before I end and although I have added the mandatory review section on performance — The actresses in this show deserve a special mention, while Kirti gives a remarkable performance using much more than dialogue, the other characters of Gauri, Ratna and Rukhsana (Nikhat’s mother) leave you wanting to give a hug to each and everyone of the performers for a remarkable and endearing portrayal.

Conclusion : This series is not what you want, but surely something that all of us should watch if only as an educational exercise
District Attorney Krasner Announces Charges for Attempted Murder of Officer
By: Philadelphia Dao
Tags: Criminal Justice, Press Release, Philadelphia, Gun Violence

CONTACT:

Jane Roh, 215–686–8711, Jane.Roh@phila.gov

PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 23, 2020) — District Attorney Larry Krasner on Wednesday announced Attempted Murder and related charges against Devon Smith (DOB: 12/5/2001) for a shooting that resulted in non-serious injuries to a Philadelphia Police Officer.

At approximately 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday night, two 12th District police officers responded to a domestic incident at the 1200 block of South 56th Street. Smith is alleged to have had both hands in his pockets, and to have indicated that he had a gun in one pocket. As one officer approached and attempted to apprehend Smith, Smith is alleged to have fired a gunshot, missing the officer but causing gunpowder burns to his face, for which he was later treated.

The other officer disarmed Smith, who was arrested without further incident.

The District Attorney’s Office will be charging Smith with Attempted Murder (H), Aggravated Assault (F1), Aggravated Assault on Police (F1), and related charges. The DAO is requesting that Smith be detained pre-trial, and due to the cash bail system of the Commonwealth will be recommending to the bail magistrate on duty that Smith be held on $2 million.

“We are grateful that these officers emerged from this dangerous incident alive and largely uninjured. The allegations against this defendant are serious, and he will be held accountable by my office and the courts,” District Attorney Krasner said. “Anyone who would fire a shot at a police officer is someone who has no business owning a gun. Our officers should not have to contend with a city and nation that has more guns than people. I once again call on local and national leaders to keep all of our communities safe by stringently restricting the manufacture and commerce of deadly firearms.”

###

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually.
Update: Bellevue Sex Trafficking Case
By: King County Prosecuting Attorney S Office
Tags: Bellevue, King County, King County Prosecutor, Criminal Justice, Sex Trafficking

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed two felony counts of second-degree human trafficking and promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor against a Bellevue defendant.

This is the same individual referenced in the below Bellevue Police Department blog post.

The defendant’s next court date is an arraignment scheduled on Dec. 30.

This post is based on information available as of December 22, 2020, and is not expected to be updated as the case moves forward.
Murder Case Involving Uber Driver
By: King County Prosecuting Attorney S Office
Tags: Criminal Justice, King County, King County Prosecutor, Uber

Today there was a first appearance for two defendants in an Issaquah murder investigation involving an Uber driver.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office asked a judge to hold both on $2 million bail each. A judge agreed and found probable cause for second-degree murder. Both waived their right to appear this afternoon.

Both individuals are expected to remain in the King County Jail until a Monday charging decision.

This post is current as of Dec. 17, 2020 and is not expected to be updated.
How covid-19 has affected the criminal justice system and multiculturalism in policy
Tags: Covid 19 Crisis, Covid 19, Criminal Justice, Courts, Us Justice Department

Coronavirus has made a considerable impact in all the sectors of the country. The criminal justice system and multiculturalism have not been spared, and it is because the daily routine of a rational justice system has been interrupted to help curb the disease. The government has tried as much as possible to limit the interactions between people through the following actions.

How covid-19 has affected the criminal justice system and multiculturalism in the policy.

First, the government has closed the entrance to the Supreme Court building, this in return, has led to most proceedings being closed until further notice and those that were ongoing to be postponed (Amon, 2020). The second impact seen is that the oral arguments in a court have been closed while giving a chance to the conference that had been planned for. Thirdly, the courts that are still operating have been highly guarded and highly restricted to persons who are working in the buildings. They are supposed to have the masks on and ensure to observe the distance rule. The government has also minimized the number of people who are being sent to jail, especially if the offenders are considered to be petty. The pandemic has also made an impact on prisoners, for there has been a release of some of the prisoners (Akiyama & Rich, 2020). All these policies that have been set aside to ensure that the disease has been curbed are followed by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).

Coronavirus has also created an enormous impact on multiculturalism, and this s seen when there is a limitation of movement all across the world. Boarders have been closed, and the airports have also been closed. This has led to the minimization of interactions among different cultures and people of diversity.

In conclusion, I do believe that the measurements that the government has placed aside to ensure that the spread of the coronavirus is controlled are justified. In addition to this, I do support what (NCSC) is doing to ensure that all policies are followed to the latter.

References

Akiyama, M. J., Spaulding, A. C., & Rich, J. D. (2020). Flattening the curve for incarcerated populations — Covid-19 in jails and prisons. New England Journal of Medicine.

Amon, J. J. (2020). COVID-19 and detention: respecting human rights. Health and Human Rights Journal, 23.
The Golden Age of White Collar Crime
Tags: Tax Evasion, Criminal Justice, White Collar Crime, Criminal Justice Reform

Tax evasion, to pick just one crime concentrated among the wealthy, already siphons up to 10,000 times more money out of the U.S. economy every year than bank robberies. In 2017, researchers estimated that fraud by America’s largest corporations cost Americans up to $360 billion annually between 1996 and 2004.

The Offshore Alert conference takes place in Miami each spring, in London each fall and in “key offshore jurisdictions” all year round. Officially, participants come to discuss “wealth creation, preservation and recovery.” Less officially, the tax lawyers come to learn what the feds will crack down on next year. The government investigators come to fish for future jobs. Imagine a yearly picnic where sheriffs give drug dealers tips on hiding baggies from pat-downs and leave with a new set of endorsements on LinkedIn.

The tactics for hiding money from tax authorities are not particularly sophisticated and have barely changed in the last 50 years. Set up a shell company and buy an appreciating asset — Iowa farmland, a London apartment, a New York pizzeria, something common enough that it won’t attract attention.

Most of the time it is simply the blunt application of resources to a series of unimaginably tedious tasks. “Investigators can already crack almost any offshore account if they have enough time and money,” he said. “The problem is that they only get that for a few cases a year.”

More than a third of the FBI investigators who patrol Wall Street were reassigned between 2001 and 2008. Enforcement funding at the IRS has fallen by 23 percent over the last decade. And, worst of all, every time a scandal exposes the government’s inadequacy, Congress steps in to squeeze the regulators even harder.
Second Look Sentencing: A (Running) Reading List for Legislators, Staff, Advocates, and Everyone Else
By: Greg Newburn
Tags: Sentencing, Criminal Justice Reform, Criminal Justice, Sentencing Reform, Second Chances

The idea of “Second Look” sentencing — that the law should allow some mechanism by which institutional actors can legally revisit sentences to ensure they remain appropriate (or to adjust those that never were) — has been around for some time. Now, it is gaining traction. For example, the Model Penal Code now contains a second look provision; last year, a second look bill was filed in the Florida Legislature, and passed several committees (the bill was recently re-filed for the 2021 session); a second look bill looks poised to pass in Washington, D.C. any day now; the new District Attorney for Los Angeles County, George Gascón, announced his office will create a “resentencing unit” tasked with conducting second look-style reviews in thousands of cases; earlier this year, Broward County, Florida State Attorney Michael Satz announced what he called an “equitable review” process that led to the early release of drug offenders serving sentences no longer found in law; and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers just released model second look legislation, a fantastic aid for legislators interested in adopting second look laws in their states.

Given the momentum second-look sentencing seems to have at the moment — and the fact that adopting such laws is a moral necessity given the way current sentencing structures deny thousands of our fellow human beings their liberty unnecessarily — I thought it might be useful to put together a list of materials — law review articles, opinion pieces, blog posts, panels, etc. — that legislators, staff, advocates, and laypeople could use for a better understanding of some of the theoretical and moral issues surrounding second look sentencing, how it would work in practice, why it would protect and even improve public safety outcomes, and so on.

(NOTE: As the title of this post suggests, this is intended as a running list. As of 12/10/2020, the list includes only items I could recall off the top of my head. Also, with the exception of putting FAMM’s stuff right at the top — where it belongs — the only order below is when I thought of it. If you think something should be added, email me at gnewburn@famm.org!)
Talking About Death Care for Brandon Bernard
By: Valentine Wiggin
Tags: Death, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Capital Punishment, Death Care

Talking About Death Care for Brandon Bernard

On December 10, 2020 in Terre Haute, Indiana, Brandon Bernard was executed with a lethal injection. He was executed for his role in the carjacking and murders of an Iowa couple in 1999 in a secluded Fort Hood post in Killeen. At the time of the murders, he was 18 years old. He was 40 years old at the time of his execution. While he did not do any killing, he did put Todd and Stacie Bagley in a car and set them afire under the impression that they were both dead. Unfortunately, Bernard’s case is just one of several federal executions taking place in 2020 after a years-long hiatus.

In such a string of executions, one must wonder how the executed were cared for in death. While some people may oppose death care for the executed saying that their punishment should extend into death, others, such as Peter Stefan of Graham, Putnam, and Mahoney Funeral Parlor see bodies as just that: bodies. Peter Stefan buried Tamerlan Tsarnaev, one of the two brothers who bombed the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.

Even when Brandon Bernard’s case caught the attention of Kim Kardashian calling him “such a reformed person” and a “master at crochet”, discussions about death care are notably absent from the larger death penalty debate that his case had sparked. This may be due to how the personal nature of death care and how emotions run high in death penalty cases. Such a discussion may come off as insulting to the victim’s family or off-putting to those who have not confronted death-related topics on a less controversial stage. However, a conversation around death care and the death penalty needs to take place in order to better care for the dead and the living.

America’s overall silence on death care has led to this key information being left out of the larger conversation about the death penalty. Discussing these two topics alongside each other will help to better manage the controversial deceased, contextualize the effects of capital punishment, and bring closure to both the victims’ and offenders’ families, both of which need extensive support after an execution takes place.
Announcing Spark
By: Clementine Jacoby
Tags: Mass Incarceration, Criminal Justice, Policy Analysis, Criminal Justice Reform

Announcing Spark

Today, Recidiviz is announcing a new project to support advocates and policymakers with impact analysis during the upcoming legislative session. Since January, the criminal justice reform landscape has shifted. We’re seeing:

Significant, but temporary decarceration from COVID; State budget cuts creating downward pressure on corrections costs and incarceration; and Increased public support for racial and social justice.

Combined, these forces are creating a surge in reform momentum as we head into January legislative sessions. To take advantage of this incredibly unique moment, Recidiviz is launching a new project — called Spark — that is designed to help policymakers turn the current momentum into long-term progress.

“With a new wave of COVID-19 hitting, many states are looking for ways to reduce incarcerated populations safely. Budget cuts and public calls for racial justice are also forcing policymakers to take a hard look at the problem,” said Andrew Warren, Recidiviz’s Head of Product.

John Tilley has joined Recidiviz to help spearhead Spark

John Tilley, former Secretary of the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, has joined Recidiviz to help spearhead the effort.

“Policymakers are facing pressure from all sides. They need ways to identify impactful reforms that will lead to a fairer, safer, smaller system. I’m excited to join Recidiviz and help get Spark off the ground at this pivotal moment.”
On Human Rights Day, the US government will execute Brandon Bernard, with reasonable doubt.
By: Nevie Brooks
Tags: Brandon Bernard, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Justice, Capital Punishment

Tomorrow is Human Rights Day.

This is Brandon Bernard.

Brandon Bernard has been in custody on murder charges since 1999.

Tomorrow, Brandon Bernard will be put to death, the first person to be executed by the federal government during a president’s lame-duck session in 130 years.

Tomorrow, Brandon Bernard will also become the 9th person to be federally executed in 2020 alone — after a 17-year hiatus in federal executions.

Tomorrow, Brandon Bernard, a Black man, will have his fate sealed by faulty evidence, bad science, and 11 white jurors.

22 years ago, Brandon was just 18, involved in a robbery gone wrong. Documents that have come to light since his trial show he was the lowest in the gang’s hierarchy, and acted as the getaway driver, did not shoot, kill, or even take part in planning to kill anyone.

22 years ago, when Todd and Stacie Bagley were abducted by a group of teenagers, Brandon was not even present. He did not shoot Todd or Stacie.

In the months since, 5 of the 9 surviving jurors have called for Brandon’s sentence to be commuted, in light of evidence that’s come to light since (in addition to their own soul-searching).

The former prosecutor who put Brandon on Death Row is pleading that his execution is stayed, has even changed her entire career and now works defending young men who today are in Brandon’s circumstances.

Even the former warden where Brandon has served the last 20 years of his sentence cites his record of personal conduct in calling for his sentence to be stayed— stating that he “could function exceptionally well in a less-restrictive environment without posing any risk.”

Legal professionals argue that even those generally in favor of capital punishment should be wary that it’s being applied in Brandon’s case.

It all begs the question: truly, how is Brandon Bernard’s execution justice for the Bagley’s?

How does his execution protect the public? Certainly, we’ve had plenty of time yet can’t seem to make the case that the death penalty deters murder rates.

Over two months ago, the man who by all accounts DID shoot and kill Todd and Stacie Bagley was already executed.

So what does Brandon’s execution accomplish?

Brandon has grown up on death row.

He turned 18, he had shitty friends, he exercised terrible judgment about going along with them. He has, as a result, spent the last 20 years in prison.

Tomorrow, Brandon Bernard will very likely die, executed by the US federal government.

And his life will have been over before it got a chance to begin. The public will not be any safer for his life ending. Stacie and Todd Bagley will not come back to life. The reasons Brandon found himself caught up in their deaths will not have changed for the next kid that comes along.

Brandon Bernard is now 40, and has spent over half his life in prison.

Today is the last day Brandon Bernard’s life can be saved.

Tomorrow is Human Right’s Day.
What state charges await Trump?
By: Caleb Mars
Tags: Criminal Justice, Biden, Trump, Hunter Biden

What state charges await Trump? What crimes did he commit? Why can’t you simply admit that you dislike him or disagree with his politics without also leveling vague charges of criminality against him? Please come up with some specific state charges if you want to claim that is what awaits him.

Now Biden, on the other hand, has you totally snowed with his nice guy act, but he should be investigated for influence peddling violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The Left Media will soon be looking to get Biden to resign and they may finally start exposing the Biden family corruption story.
How to Create an Equitable and Unbiased AI Algorithm for Criminal Justice
By: Mark King
Tags: AI, Artificial Intelligence, Criminal Justice, Algorithms, Justice

How do we fix this?

Well, the answer to that is not easy. As shown above, we looked at and analyzed the COMPAS dataset, the ML steps used to create an algorithm, and the problematic nature of bad training data. When we analyzed the COMPAS dataset, we found out that there wasn’t any bias stemming from the dataset, as the COMPAS set is just a collection of different input data taken into account. It does not generate risk levels by itself.

The ML steps used to create an algorithm are also not biased or unfair. They are just simplified steps used to create a model and test it.

This leaves us with training data. As shown above, the COMPAS dataset and ML steps do not have any racial bias in them which therefore means they can not be responsible for these racial disparities found in these algorithms. So, the only logical answer is bad training data. As explained above, the training data used in these algorithms isn’t the best suited for these algorithms.

These algorithms are usually supplied with historical crime data. As explained above, historical crime data poses a lot of problems for the algorithm as it is not always unbiased or fair. For example, if an algorithm discovered that higher income was correlated with lower recidivism, the algorithm would naturally give defendants from high-income backgrounds a lower score of recidivating.

Also, bad training data doesn’t always have to be historical crime data, it could also be data surveyed and taken in the wrong area. For example, if the training data is taken in Europe and then supplied to algorithms that are used in America, that in itself poses a massive problem. While approximately 13% (43 million) of the United States population is composed of black people, only 2.9% of Europe's population (22 million) is composed of black people. If training data is conducted in Europe, with most of the participants being white, then you could expect a fair and equitable algorithm for white people. However, if you try to apply this training data to a multicultural and multiracial country, such as the United States, it's pretty evident and obvious that these racial disparities do stem from bad training data.

One way we could fix this evident problem is by just making better training data. Companies that wish to make fair and equitable algorithm tools should not just rely on historical crime data but should strive to generate their own data. And when these companies are generating their own data, they should take in a multitude of participants from different racial backgrounds. Creating data like this would ensure that the algorithms trained from this data, would become fair and equitable and help create a more just and honest justice system.
This makes it sound like you were solving a business problem for consenting adult sex workers and…
By: April M. Hamm, She They
Tags: Human Rights, Violence Against Women, Criminal Justice Reform, Criminal Justice, White Collar Crime

This makes it sound like you were solving a business problem for consenting adult sex workers and that your so-called crime was (more or less) playing Robin Hood with your tax dollars.

In another story, however, you mention that the fed was investigating you for years on suspicion of prostitution of sex workers from other countries — which raises ethical concerns about their age and possible human rights violations (e.g. outside the U.S. and/or inside the U.S. but beyond the scope of your own activities).

This crime is a lot more serious than simply robbing Peter to pay Paul with your arguably legit business income!

Even if you weren’t directly abusing women (and possibly girls), you were complicit in an international human rights crime.

No judgement, just concern. (You were obviously very naive in your “criminal” activities, but this might explain why you got stuck at MCC and then Rikers).

By any chance, did your “rehabilitation” include any education on violence against women and girls (VAWG), modern slavery, human trafficking, or the global agenda for gender equality? I won’t be surprised if none of this ever came up, but I do hope you will learn more about it now.
Donald Trump is headed to Georgia - he could be a turnout driver, but also a threat
By: Us President Tweets
Tags: Criminal Justice, Donald Trump, President Trump

Donald Trump is headed to Georgia - he could be a turnout driver, but also a threat

Donald Trump Georgia could be a turnout

Atlanta, GA:— Some establishment from Republicans are sounding alarms that President Trump’s conspiratorial denials of his own defeat could threaten the ability of party to win a Senate majority to counter President-elect Joe Biden’s administration next year 2021.

The concerns come ahead of President Trump’s planned Saturday visit to Georgia to campaign alongside Senate election. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, who face strong Democratic challengers in Jan. 5 of next year runoffs that will determine which party Republicn or Democrats controls the Senate at the outset of Joe Biden’s incoming presidency.

Read More: US President Tweets
US HOUSE PASSES HISTORIC MARIJUANA DECRIMINALIZATION BILL 228 to 164
By: Just Solutions
Tags: Police, Public Safety, Marijuana, Cannabis, Criminal Justice

Police Group Who Helped Pass Measure Comments on Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act

Today, the US House of Representatives passed HR.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) by a vote of 228 to 164. The Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), a nonprofit group of police and other criminal justice professionals, endorsed the MORE Act because it would address serious public safety and social equity concerns associated with marijuana enforcement.

“As a police officer, I helped wage a so-called war on marijuana. But no matter how hard we tried, how many losses we were willing to sustain to our own side, how many dollars spent, and how many lives ruined, we never made a dent in either demand or supply for very long. Today I am thrilled to see that after almost fifty years of this catastrophic war, our congressional leaders have finally decided to lay down their arms and try something that works.” ” — Police Major Neill Franklin (Ret.), executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership

The MORE Act would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, federally descheduling and decriminalizing the drug and allowing states to set their own policies. The bill would facilitate the expungement of millions of marijuana convictions and impose a 5% federal tax on marijuana sales that would fund grants allocated for communities most impacted by the War on Drugs. The MORE Act would also prohibit the denial of federal benefits, such as housing, due to marijuana use.

In 2019, the Law Enforcement Action Partnership endorsed HR.3884, which was introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and received 120 co-sponsors, including Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida. The companion bill in the Senate, S.2227, was introduced by Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and co-sponsored by seven senators. The bill is expected to face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled Senate even though 60% of Republican voters support the legislation. A recent Gallup poll found that 68% of Americans support marijuana legalization.

To speak with a police officer, judge, prosecutor, corrections officer, or federal agent about why they support the MORE Act, contact LEAP at Media@LawEnforcementAction.org.

The Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) is a nonprofit group of police, judges, and other criminal justice professionals who advance evidence-based public safety policies and programs. LEAP’s 270 representatives speak on behalf of more than 5,000 law enforcement personnel who support ending the War on Drugs, alternatives to incarceration, and solutions to America’s police-community relations crisis.
Profiles in Justice: Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Tracee Washington
By: Philadelphia Dao
Tags: Criminal Justice, Philadelphia, Victims, Prosecutor

Tracee Washington, a Victim/Witness Services Coordinator for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office’s (DAO) Municipal Court Unit, lives by the personal motto: “Know your purpose, serve your purpose, and fulfill it.”

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Washington received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from West Chester University and her graduate degree in Human Services with a concentration in Clinical Counseling from Lincoln University. Prior to coming to the DAO, she worked for nearly a decade as a Forensic Specialist and Supervisor for case management teams that served chronically mentally ill people.

Washington says working to empower survivors of intimate partner violence is a perfect fit for her. “A lot of victims have suffered at the hands of repeat offenders. I’ll see that the victim had five cases with the same person but didn’t show up for court [to testify]. I try to make them understand that it takes about seven times before someone successfully leaves a domestic violence situation. I let them know no one’s judging you because you didn’t come to court last time — you’re here now.” Washington credits partner organizations like Women Against Abuse (WAA) and other community-based victim services organizations for enhancing DAO Victim/Witness coordinator efforts to support and protect survivors.

“We tag-team a lot. WAA plays a fundamental role because they have so many resources. They assist people with filling out Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and getting access to free legal services.”

Such collaborations are even more critical as the pandemic imposes unprecedented challenges to public safety and public health. “Since COVID, we’ve had such a backlog and the courts turned off the subpoenas, so no one would know the date of their court case unless they’re checking the public docket,” leaving the task of notifying witnesses almost solely to DAO coordinators, Washington explains. “I find myself apologizing as soon as I get on the phone. There’s a lot of soothing people right now.”

Ultimately, Washington is grateful for daily opportunities to make a profound impact on the lives of survivors. “Victim services gets overshadowed by the work of other units. People may think that all we do is make calls, but we do so much more,” she adds, recalling one of her first cases as a DAO coordinator: A 21-year-old college student whose abusive boyfriend forced her to do his homework and beat her over several years.

“She finally moved forward with charges, was super scared, and had just reconnected with her family. Her dad said to me, ‘I just want to thank you so much for helping my daughter get the courage to testify. You may feel like you didn’t do anything but you did.’

“I hope I helped her to start the process of healing. I feel like maybe I helped save her life.”
11 Theft Charges Filed Against Mercer Island Woman
By: King County Prosecuting Attorney S Office
Tags: Criminal Justice, King County, King County Prosecutor

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed 11 charges of theft in the first degree against a Mercer Island woman.

The defendant, a former employee of Even Hotels, is accused of stealing more than $400,000 from the company over the period of April to July, 2019. According to police investigators, the individual used her corporate credit card at local casinos on multiple occasions to withdraw funds belonging to her former employer.

An arraignment is scheduled for December 10. This is the only case involving the woman that has been referred to our office.

This post is based on information available as of December 1, 2020, and is not expected to be updated as the case moves forward.
Is the death penalty effective in preventing serious criminal offences?
By: Ghulam Hussain
Tags: Death Penalty, Death, Criminal Justice, Amnesty International, Criminal Offenses

According to the entire history of humanity two groups from different professions like criminology researchers, law experts, and psychiatrists. One group claims that the death penalty effective in preventing serious criminal offences. Another group deny the first group opinion. The second group claim that the death penalty is inhuman activity and it is brutalized for society as compared to a life sentence without parole.

In view of Amnesty international article a clear scientific consensus that the death penalty does not deter and Journal of criminal law and criminology Vol.99, №2 that has research to examining the different opinion of criminology experts on the deterrence effects of the death penalty. In this research the author report that 82.2% of criminology experts do not believe the death penalty is effective in preventing serious criminal offences. In a factsheet of Death penalty information Centre (DPIC) claim with a public survey majority of the voter, 61% choose the punishment other than the death penalty. In the past, most the countries of the world used the death penalty as a political tool.

“That is why We decreed for the children of Israel whosoever kill a human being, except(as punishment) for murder or for spreading life-threatening chaos on earth, it is as if killing the entire human race; and whosoever save a human life, save the entire human race. Our apostles brought clear proof to them; but even after that most of them committed excesses in the land.” Qur’an 5:32.

In the above translation of Qur’an verse described the importance of the human soul and it not only about the Muslims, but it is also about the humanity of the world to attract the people each other and live together with peace and brotherhood, without any boundaries of age, gender, caste, religion and nationality.
Justice Journal — December 2020 — Issue 11
By: Philadelphia Dao
Tags: Covid 19, Criminal Justice, Newsletter, Philadelphia

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In Defending the Wicked
By: J.B. Fitzgerald
Tags: Criminal Defense, Criminal Justice, Criminal, Murder, Crime

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

“In defending the wicked, we protect the rights of the innocent. In defending the innocent, we protect justice.”

The wicked are the abusers. The murderers. The monsters. Those who are vicious. Those who deserve incarceration. Those like the parents of Gabriel Fernandez or the BTK Serial Killer.

You defend them, not because they are good people, but because by defending them you not only secure their rights but the rights of all those who are accused of heinous offenses. You defend the wicked so that the rights of the falsely accused remain protected.

The second we as a society start drawing a line in the sand and say who deserves a defense and who doesn’t, injustice is bound to follow. It is not just the wicked who will suffer, but the innocent as well.

Maybe we as a society agree that those who have confessed shouldn’t be defended, then we would neglect to defend the Central Park Five, five children who were coerced into confessing for a rape they did not commit.

Maybe we agree that we should not defend those facing capital offenses, then you would neglect to defend Walter McMillian, a wrongfully convicted man who spent years on death row before being freed.

Maybe we agree that we should not defend those whose fingerprints connected them to the crime, then you would neglect to defend Brandon Mayfield, a man who was investigated for a bombing due to erroneous fingerprint analysis that tied him to the crime.

This isn’t to say that criminal defense attorneys shouldn’t pick their clients. If an attorney is uncomfortable defending someone then that is entirely their choice and it is commendable that they share these concerns. It is better for an attorney to refuse a client that they cannot adequately defend for moral reasons than to provide a lackluster defense for those they find morally repugnant.

The point of this is to say that attorneys who defend the wicked should be respected because, without someone willing to defend the guilty, the innocent would suffer.

“In defending the wicked, we protect the rights of the innocent. In defending the innocent, we protect justice.”
Stabbing-Related Charges Filed in Two Cases
By: King County Prosecuting Attorney S Office
Tags: Criminal Justice, King County, King County Prosecutor

Today, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed a first-degree assault charge against Ian Alwin, the man accused of stabbing a victim at random Monday in downtown Seattle.

We asked that a judge hold Mr. Alwin on $300,000 bail. A judge agreed, and he remains in the King County Jail.

Mr. Alwin’s next court appearance is his arraignment, where he’s expected to enter a plea. That’s scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Dec. 9.

Only one prior police investigation involving Mr. Alwin has been sent to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: a Seattle case that our office filed in March 2015, which led to an Aug. 21, 2015 felony judgement and sentence for second-degree assault and tampering with a witness. Since 2015, no cases involving Mr. Alwin have been referred to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for a felony filing decision.

Separately, today our office also rush filed charges against Hans Dewey Van-Belkum, the man accused of stabbing a woman to death Monday in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. We charged him with first-degree murder and second-degree assault.

He remains in jail on $1 million bail.

This is the only incident involving Mr. Van Belkum that has been sent to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. We have no previous cases involving him.

His next court date is his arraignment, where he’s expected to enter a plea. That’s scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Dec. 9.

This post is current as of November 25 and is not expected to be updated.
Learn More and Get Involved!
By: Free Them All Va
Tags: Freethemallva, Virginia, Immigration Consultants, Abolition, Criminal Justice

Take Action

Take action and join the call to free them all in Virginia! We update our action guide regularly so check back for new campaigns: bit.ly/FreeThemAllVA.

Contribute to the Free Them All VA Fund. The fund covers commissary, post-release support (e.g., immediate food, transportation, and medical care), partial bond fees, and accommodations to be able to quarantine for two weeks after release. If you would like to request funds email: freethemallva@protonmail.com.

Learn More

Community Resources

Know your rights materials and information on abolition

Reports

Shut It Down! Stories of ICE’s Violence at ICA-Farmville

CDC Report Warns of Potential for New Outbreak at ICA-Farmville

Virginia is Home to the Largest Migrant Detention Center Covid Outbreak in the Country

ICA-Farmville Abuse

New Documents Illuminate A Dark Pattern Of Abuse In ICA-Farmville

The Dark Money Trail Behind Private Detention: Immigration Centers Of America-Farmville

Lawsuits

Toure v Hott — Immigration Groups Suing ICE Demanding Immediate Release of Individuals Detained in Virginia Who are Most at Risk For COVID-19

Santos Garcia v Wolf — Detained Immigrants Sue ICA-Farmville for COVID-19 Response as Over 80% of Facility Tests Positive

Downs v Hott — Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus and Complaint for Injunctive Relief
New Orleans Police Botched Years of Drug Lab Work By Matthew Nesvet November 24, 2020 (7:30 AM) [My TCR story replaces investigative findings reported here last month] Matthew Nesvet, Ph.D. is an…
By: Matt Nesvet
Tags: Police, Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Reform, Criminal Justice, Criminology

New Orleans Police Botched Years of Drug Lab Work

The police laboratory in New Orleans uses a GC/MS analysis machines (like the one pictured) to make positive drug identifications in criminal cases . Experts say the lab, which lacks accreditation, does deeply flawed work.

By Matthew Nesvet

November 24, 2020 (7:30 AM)

[My TCR story replaces investigative findings reported here last month]

Matthew Nesvet, Ph.D. is an anthropologist and journalist. Find him on Twitter @MattNesvet or point your browser to MattNesvet.com. An updated version of this investigation & accompanying story will appear in The Crime Report next month.
Employing a convicted felon, HR
By: Tim Gebauer
Tags: Criminal Justice Reform, HR, Criminal Justice, Leadership, Management

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

Even though I have hired and managed hundreds of people, one hire in particular stands out even years later.

A young man I interviewed for a job was upfront about a felony conviction in his late teens. He owned his mistake as well as his failure to understand the long term consequences of his decisions interacting with police and the courts. At the end of his explanation, he said, “Man, I just need a break” It was one of the most sincere sentences I have ever heard.

I’d seen this before, a teenager without a clear direction in life, a support system, or resources is arrested for a legitimate reason. Without anyone to call on or help them, they succumb to the system.

Kids with family, connections, and resources end up with a slap on the wrist for the same infraction.

After an OK from HR, I hired him. I thought he was going to cry. I think the separation of the desk saved me from a bear hug. Only myself, my assistant, and HR needed to know, and we kept it that way.

The gamble paid off.

Over time he rose to a key position in an important part of the company. He has put himself through college while raising a family and making a difference at work.

He isn’t the only one I have taken a chance on. Some have worked out, some have not, much like new hires in general. This experience reminded me that people shouldn’t be defined by a bad act or mistake.

Everyone has a chapter in their lives they don’t read out loud.

Thanks for reading.

about me

I am a thrift and retail business expert located near Chicago helping individuals and entrepreneurs grow and succeed. You can benefit from my twenty plus years of retail, and seven-plus years of thrift and eCommerce experience.

Check out my web site, thethrifter.com for lots of thrift oriented resources. You will find plenty of free tips for retailers, resellers, eCommerce operators, and shoppers.

You might also be interested in my Thrift Merchandising ebook on Amazon. It’s about merchandising thrift stores more like traditional stores. It’s free with a Kindle Unlimited membership.

I’m always happy to connect on LinkedIn.

Tim Gebauer — The Thrifter

Tim Gebauer