Vera Institute of Justice

Join us for a dynamic two-day convening as we hear from prosecutors, media experts, and those directly impacted by our criminal legal system.

Day 1

Panel 1 — What it Means to Reimagine Prosecution

A discussion of what led to the progressive prosecution movement and why reforming the system from within is so critical.

Fox and Rob; Satana Deberry; Jami Hodge; Simone Levine; Topher Sanders

Panel 2 — Progress and Pushback

A discussion about judicial intervention, recall efforts, ethics complaints, and other coordinated attacks confronting reform-minded prosecutors.

Emily Bazelon; Steve Decanso; Jessica Brand; Sam Levine; Josie Duffy Rice

Day 2

Panel 3 — Resistance to Progress: The Role of Race and Gender

A discussion about the racialized and gendered backlash aimed at the Black women prosecutors who are leading the efforts to reform the system.

Roy Austin; Angela J. Davis; Kim Foxx; Melissa Harris-Perry; Ray Hartmann

Workshops

Participants will have the choice to join one of the following workshops to brainstorm ideas and solutions to the issues discussed throughout the conference. The three available workshops are: legal, media, and community engaged responses.

*Workshops will begin at 3:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 28. Please click here to be redirected to the workshop waiting room.

About Vera

The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and activists working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.