Happy Hour With an Agenda is a semi-regular, free flowing conversation about the biggest issues facing Dallas. This month we’re discussing the future of the Criminal Justice system in Dallas, and how it relates to the upcoming District Attorney race from the perspective of our three panelists.
In the past, Dallas County was known for freeing the innocent from behind bars. Today, activists have sued alleging that the county’s jail has become a debtor’s prison. Nationwide, prosecutors and advocates alike are rethinking mass incarceration, exploring the effectiveness of diversion programs and other alternative sentencing methods. As we prepare to elect a district attorney in the May elections, D Magazine is exploring the future of our county’s criminal justice system. What will reforms look like?
Pamela Metzger, the executive director of the Deason Family Criminal Justice Reform Center, will moderate a chat between Terri Burke, the executive director of the ACLU of Texas; Ron Stretcher the former Director of the Dallas County Criminal Justice Department; Courts and former prosecutor Toby Shook, currently of Shook & Gunter. Join us.
Have a drink, and be part of the discussion.
