Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Bystander Effect In Policing
The nation has been riveted to the Derek Chauvin trial involving the death of George Floyd. Questions as to the efficacy impact of Chauvin’s actions are being weighed by a jury, and rightly so. Floyd died after a police interaction that raised so many red flags that multiple bystanders called 911 to request assistance… Read More »
A Watershed Moment? What does The Chauvin Verdict Mean For The Future?
A collective sigh of relief was released as the verdict in the Derek Chauvin case was announced: guilty on all counts. Was justice served? While nothing will bring George Floyd back to his family and loved ones, the verdict most certainly demonstrated that it is possible to hold police officers accountable for their actions…. Read More »
Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used In Law Enforcement?
Facial recognition technology (FRT) is used to catch the bad guy on virtually every television program and movie that has to do with policing. It positively identifies criminals and saves society from further wrongdoing by getting these villains off the streets. But the fact is, this technology isn’t quite so slick in real life,… Read More »
Can Science Be Misstated In The Courtroom?
If you turn on any crime drama on television, you’ll likely see cases indisputably resolved with the aid of science. Fingerprints, strands of hair, even handwriting and bite mark analysis, convicts or exonerates defendants with regularity in Hollywood. How close does that track to real life? If you are facing charges that are based… Read More »
Nevada 2021 Legislature Takes a Stab at Justice Reform
2021 in Nevada could be a year of innovation when it comes to addressing concerns related to criminal justice. Key measures could lay the groundwork for drastic changes that groups like the ACLU have been championing for years. Police Reform Some bills aimed at reforming police conduct will be debated this year, all with… Read More »
Why Provide a Defense in Horrendous Cases?
People often wonder why anyone would choose to defend individuals who are accused of the most dreadful of crimes. Sure, it’s logical that a strong defense be mounted for minor incidents like smoking pot, illegal protesting, or maybe even something like shoplifting. But what about rape, kidnapping, or murder? Why should people accused of… Read More »
The Supreme Court Questions Qualified Immunity
Since 1982, courts have determined that officials deserved protections from potential harassment and liability as a result of necessary behaviors while on duty. The aim was to ensure that officials would not second guess themselves when forced to make quick or life-altering decisions. Fast forward to 2021, and the problems associated with the doctrine… Read More »
Real Policing Reform that Works
The conundrum society faces when it comes to policing is huge: how do we maintain a vigorous safe-keeping organization that protects and serves, but that does not harm innocents by employing tactics that are literally overkill? Seriously—we do want protection from criminals—especially violent ones—and there’s no doubt that an armed police force is a… Read More »
Response to Protests: The Capitol Siege vs. BLM
As mostly white anarchists trampled into the Capitol in Washington DC, lawmakers were whisked away from their duties and into more secure rooms. Furniture was piled against doors as fear curdled in the throats of Democrats and Republicans alike. Meanwhile, aides who were locked in their offices huddled under furniture, hoping the insurrectionists would… Read More »
Legal Trouble: Routs, Riots, and More in Nevada
There are certainly a number of social issues that have drawn protestors to the streets of Nevada over the years, and those trends seem to be growing by the minute. It is worth noting that the laws here in the Silver State are pretty clear as to what is acceptable and what is not… Read More »
