Governor Kathy Hochul criticized New York's criminal justice laws that mandate quick discovery evidence submission, which she argues has led to a drastic fall in domestic violence convictions—from 31% to just 6%. These laws, initially enacted to expedite trials, have allowed many domestic abusers to escape accountability. During a discussion with survivors, Hochul stated the current legal framework poses a false choice between speedy trials and protecting victims. Disturbingly, even Manhattan's DA, Alvin Bragg, supports changes after witnessing cases dismissed on technicalities that leave victims vulnerable.
"We can no longer turn a blind eye to their cries for help," she said following a roundtable discussion in Albany, during which she met with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
"The choice between fair and speedy trials, which are important objectives, but also letting dangerous abusers off the hook, is a false choice," Hochul said.
"This horrifying example is illustrative of a much broader problem where survivors are being denied justice and orders of protection, leaving them vulnerable to their attackers," Bragg said.
Prosecutors, however, have argued the reforms led to criminal-case dismissals in New York City spiking from 41% to 62%.
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