Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Federal Legislation in the Works: Worth Knowing
Congress has been debating a number of issues that could have a significant impact on Nevadans. Understanding the impetus behind these bills and the potential outcomes may lead some to consider activism based on perceived impacts. R. 7120: The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 was introduced into legislation by Re. Karen… Read More »
Mass Incarceration: The Civil Rights Issue of our Time
While most people can agree that having violent criminals on the streets is not a good idea, minds are starting to change when it comes to the notion that every criminal should be behind bars, and for as long as possible. The indisputable fact is, the criminal justice system is seriously flawed, resulting in… Read More »
Who do Police Body Cams Benefit?
From the George Floyd to the Rayshard Brooks case, recent instances of police brutality have been documented with body cam and cell phone footage, prompting questions about just how frequently these situations occur. Essentially, since so many cases are popping up across the country, one wonders about how often excessive force occurs that we… Read More »
Do Police Unions Hamper Justice in America?
Workers have unionized across the country for decades in order to improve working conditions. The list of benefits that unions secure for employees is impressive, ranging from a wage increase of about 20 percent, to the inclusion of fringe benefits like health insurance and paid leave. Pension plans, vacation plans, and wage inequality have… Read More »
Protesting in Las Vegas, What Are Your Rights?
It’s not difficult to feel the tension bubbling up in society these days. Well-documented accounts of racial injustice and police brutality are just two of the issues propelling public demonstrations across the country. If you are considering stepping out to participate in such a protest, it would behoove you to be familiar with your… Read More »
New Nevada Laws Banning Police Chokeholds and Removing Police Officer Protections.
On August 7, Governor Sisolak signed into law two bills aimed at continuing policing reform efforts in the state. One of them is a Senate bill (SB2), intended to amend another bill passed in February 2019 and that included protections for law enforcement officers undergoing investigations. The other one is an Assembly bill (AB3)… Read More »
Body Cameras Worn by Las Vegas Police
Recent events involving interactions between police officers and civilians have brought up a topic that has been discussed for several years. The use of body worn cameras by police officers has been considered as a tool for reducing officers’ excessive use of force. Several years ago, the Metropolitan Las Vegas Police Department was one… Read More »
What are your first amendment rights as a protester?
The recent events that occurred throughout the United States involving police brutality exercised against black individuals, specifically the death of George Floyd while in custody of the Minneapolis police in May, have generated large protests against police brutality and systemic racism. These protests have taken place in cities all over the country. The response… Read More »
Qualified Immunity and Police Reform
What is Qualified Immunity? Qualified immunity was initially developed by the Supreme Court in its interpretation and application of the Civil Right Act of 1871. It seeks to protect individual public officials from lawsuits alleging that the official in question violated the plaintiff’s rights in the performance of their official duty. This protection applies… Read More »
Changes to the Definition of Grand Larceny in Nevada, Effective July 1, 2020
Changes are being made to criminal law that defines the crime of grand larceny. These changes are part of a criminal justice bill, Nevada Assembly Bill 236, that was passed last year by the Nevada legislature. The changes will be effective on July 1, 2020. Nevada’s Grand Larceny Law The crime of grand larceny… Read More »
