Grits, are you planning on commenting on SB 275 filed by Democrats Kirk Watson and Wendy Davis increasing the penalty for felony hit and run to a second degree? This bill is going to give more charging leverage to prosecutors. I know you've consistently railed against legislation increasing or enhancing criminal penalties. Are you going to call Watson and Davis to task for this bill?
7:36, first, at this historical juncture I oppose nearly all so-called "enhancements." IMO most things are already legal that should be, punishments are already plenty harsh, and, as you say, the main purpose is to give leverage to prosecutors. That said, so many are filed I can't critique them all as soon as they come out. But no, I'm not a fan.
Also, I think Kirk Watson would be the first to tell you I've never hesitated to criticize him, occasionally virulently, when I think he's wrong, going back to when he was Austin's Mayor. There are issues where he and I find ourselves in perfect agreement, but on criminal justice stuff he's tended to side with the Big Govenment crowd and supports heaping ever-more power and cash on law enforcement at the expense of all other civic priorities, so this bill comes as no surprise.
Grits, are you planning on commenting on SB 275 filed by Democrats Kirk Watson and Wendy Davis increasing the penalty for felony hit and run to a second degree? This bill is going to give more charging leverage to prosecutors. I know you've consistently railed against legislation increasing or enhancing criminal penalties. Are you going to call Watson and Davis to task for this bill?
ReplyDelete7:36, first, at this historical juncture I oppose nearly all so-called "enhancements." IMO most things are already legal that should be, punishments are already plenty harsh, and, as you say, the main purpose is to give leverage to prosecutors. That said, so many are filed I can't critique them all as soon as they come out. But no, I'm not a fan.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think Kirk Watson would be the first to tell you I've never hesitated to criticize him, occasionally virulently, when I think he's wrong, going back to when he was Austin's Mayor. There are issues where he and I find ourselves in perfect agreement, but on criminal justice stuff he's tended to side with the Big Govenment crowd and supports heaping ever-more power and cash on law enforcement at the expense of all other civic priorities, so this bill comes as no surprise.
Good interview!
ReplyDelete