Racial Justice Act: A Movement in California and Beyond
The CA Racial Justice Act (RJA) represents a significant effort to dismantle systemic racism in our courts.
However, it is also part of a global human rights demand: equal justice, without discrimination.
Let us break it down👇
#CaliforniaRJA
The CA Racial Justice Act (RJA) represents a significant effort to dismantle systemic racism in our courts.
However, it is also part of a global human rights demand: equal justice, without discrimination.
Let us break it down👇
#CaliforniaRJA
Racial Justice Act: A Movement in California and Beyond
States like California have introduced legislation, the Racial Justice Act (RJA), to address racial bias in the criminal legal system.
www.amnestyusa.org
December 15, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Racial Justice Act: A Movement in California and Beyond
The CA Racial Justice Act (RJA) represents a significant effort to dismantle systemic racism in our courts.
However, it is also part of a global human rights demand: equal justice, without discrimination.
Let us break it down👇
#CaliforniaRJA
The CA Racial Justice Act (RJA) represents a significant effort to dismantle systemic racism in our courts.
However, it is also part of a global human rights demand: equal justice, without discrimination.
Let us break it down👇
#CaliforniaRJA
Bottom Line: CJEO 2025-028 does not force former DAs off every RJA case—but it affirms the right to transparency and fairness.
It is a tool for both litigators and judges to navigate complex procedural and ethical issues under California’s Racial Justice Act.
More info & full text ⬇️ #CaliforniaRJA
It is a tool for both litigators and judges to navigate complex procedural and ethical issues under California’s Racial Justice Act.
More info & full text ⬇️ #CaliforniaRJA
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
October 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Bottom Line: CJEO 2025-028 does not force former DAs off every RJA case—but it affirms the right to transparency and fairness.
It is a tool for both litigators and judges to navigate complex procedural and ethical issues under California’s Racial Justice Act.
More info & full text ⬇️ #CaliforniaRJA
It is a tool for both litigators and judges to navigate complex procedural and ethical issues under California’s Racial Justice Act.
More info & full text ⬇️ #CaliforniaRJA
Why We Needed the RJA
In McCleskey v. Kemp (1987), SCOTUS ruled that statistical proof of racial disparities was not enough.
You had to show intentional discrimination.
That decision shut the courthouse doors for decades. The RJA rejects and changes this impossible standard.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
In McCleskey v. Kemp (1987), SCOTUS ruled that statistical proof of racial disparities was not enough.
You had to show intentional discrimination.
That decision shut the courthouse doors for decades. The RJA rejects and changes this impossible standard.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
Racial Justice Act: A Movement in California and Beyond
States like California have introduced legislation, the Racial Justice Act (RJA), to address racial bias in the criminal legal system.
www.amnestyusa.org
December 16, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Why We Needed the RJA
In McCleskey v. Kemp (1987), SCOTUS ruled that statistical proof of racial disparities was not enough.
You had to show intentional discrimination.
That decision shut the courthouse doors for decades. The RJA rejects and changes this impossible standard.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
In McCleskey v. Kemp (1987), SCOTUS ruled that statistical proof of racial disparities was not enough.
You had to show intentional discrimination.
That decision shut the courthouse doors for decades. The RJA rejects and changes this impossible standard.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
⚖️ Justice Evans (concurrence):
If defense counsel did tell Coleman to “talk ghetto,” it would “suffice to infer… implicit bias.”
📍 Future RJA litigators: cite Evans to argue for evidentiary hearings under § 745(c)(2) in implicit bias cases.
#CaliforniaRJA #PC745 #RJA
If defense counsel did tell Coleman to “talk ghetto,” it would “suffice to infer… implicit bias.”
📍 Future RJA litigators: cite Evans to argue for evidentiary hearings under § 745(c)(2) in implicit bias cases.
#CaliforniaRJA #PC745 #RJA
📄 People v. Coleman
Court: First District Court of Appeal, Division 5 Case No.: A165198 Opinion Date: January 5, 2024 Court Documents RJA Relevance: Appellate analysis of implicit bias claims against defense counsel u…
californiarja.wordpress.com
July 13, 2025 at 6:49 PM
⚖️ Justice Evans (concurrence):
If defense counsel did tell Coleman to “talk ghetto,” it would “suffice to infer… implicit bias.”
📍 Future RJA litigators: cite Evans to argue for evidentiary hearings under § 745(c)(2) in implicit bias cases.
#CaliforniaRJA #PC745 #RJA
If defense counsel did tell Coleman to “talk ghetto,” it would “suffice to infer… implicit bias.”
📍 Future RJA litigators: cite Evans to argue for evidentiary hearings under § 745(c)(2) in implicit bias cases.
#CaliforniaRJA #PC745 #RJA
🕊️ Chavez was released July 23, 2025.
He met his daughter for the first time.
He is now advocating for reforms and credit organizing by Silicon Valley De-Bug and support from grassroots communities.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA #RacialJusticeAct #RJA #PC745 #SystemicBias #CaliforniaRJA
He met his daughter for the first time.
He is now advocating for reforms and credit organizing by Silicon Valley De-Bug and support from grassroots communities.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA #RacialJusticeAct #RJA #PC745 #SystemicBias #CaliforniaRJA
Santa Clara County conviction overturned for prejudiced actions - San José Spotlight
A San Jose man was released from jail last week after state judges lambasted Santa Clara County prosecutors for using rap lyrics in an attempt to put him behind bars for more than a century.
sanjosespotlight.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:15 AM
🕊️ Chavez was released July 23, 2025.
He met his daughter for the first time.
He is now advocating for reforms and credit organizing by Silicon Valley De-Bug and support from grassroots communities.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA #RacialJusticeAct #RJA #PC745 #SystemicBias #CaliforniaRJA
He met his daughter for the first time.
He is now advocating for reforms and credit organizing by Silicon Valley De-Bug and support from grassroots communities.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA #RacialJusticeAct #RJA #PC745 #SystemicBias #CaliforniaRJA
🧠 RJA Lesson: The statute is only as strong as the record you build.
In Guerrero & Navarro, the defense lost because:
❌ No trial-level RJA objection
❌ No evidence of racial animus or disparity
❌ Theory untethered to §745 standards
Strategic takeaways on the CA RJA Resource Hub ⬇️
#CaliforniaRJA
In Guerrero & Navarro, the defense lost because:
❌ No trial-level RJA objection
❌ No evidence of racial animus or disparity
❌ Theory untethered to §745 standards
Strategic takeaways on the CA RJA Resource Hub ⬇️
#CaliforniaRJA
📄 People v. Guerrero & Navarro
Court: California Court of Appeals, Second District, Division Five Case No.: B337444 Opinion Date: November 26, 2025 Status: Unpublished (Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 8.1115) RJA Relevance: Procedural…
californiarja.wordpress.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:49 PM
🧠 RJA Lesson: The statute is only as strong as the record you build.
In Guerrero & Navarro, the defense lost because:
❌ No trial-level RJA objection
❌ No evidence of racial animus or disparity
❌ Theory untethered to §745 standards
Strategic takeaways on the CA RJA Resource Hub ⬇️
#CaliforniaRJA
In Guerrero & Navarro, the defense lost because:
❌ No trial-level RJA objection
❌ No evidence of racial animus or disparity
❌ Theory untethered to §745 standards
Strategic takeaways on the CA RJA Resource Hub ⬇️
#CaliforniaRJA
‼️On Jury Selection
In Wagstaff, the 6th District upheld a prosecutor’s strike of a Black juror under CCP § 231.7. Race-neutral explanation: juror didn’t trust police.
🧰 Takeaway: Practitioners must request comparative juror analysis to rebut “neutral” reasons.
Full breakdown ⬇️
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
In Wagstaff, the 6th District upheld a prosecutor’s strike of a Black juror under CCP § 231.7. Race-neutral explanation: juror didn’t trust police.
🧰 Takeaway: Practitioners must request comparative juror analysis to rebut “neutral” reasons.
Full breakdown ⬇️
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
📄 People v. Wagstaff
Court: California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District Case No.: H050597 Opinion Date: June 12, 2025 Published: No Status: Review Denied Full Opinion: Link to full opinion (PDF) Overview: In P…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 21, 2025 at 4:19 PM
‼️On Jury Selection
In Wagstaff, the 6th District upheld a prosecutor’s strike of a Black juror under CCP § 231.7. Race-neutral explanation: juror didn’t trust police.
🧰 Takeaway: Practitioners must request comparative juror analysis to rebut “neutral” reasons.
Full breakdown ⬇️
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
In Wagstaff, the 6th District upheld a prosecutor’s strike of a Black juror under CCP § 231.7. Race-neutral explanation: juror didn’t trust police.
🧰 Takeaway: Practitioners must request comparative juror analysis to rebut “neutral” reasons.
Full breakdown ⬇️
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
📌 RJA Discovery Motion Denied? Don’t appeal.
Under People v. Serrano, appeal from a post-judgment RJA discovery denial is not allowed under § 1237.
✅ Use a writ of mandate to challenge the ruling instead.
🧠 Strategically use standalone § 745(d) motions to build habeas-ready records.
#CaliforniaRJA
Under People v. Serrano, appeal from a post-judgment RJA discovery denial is not allowed under § 1237.
✅ Use a writ of mandate to challenge the ruling instead.
🧠 Strategically use standalone § 745(d) motions to build habeas-ready records.
#CaliforniaRJA
📄 People v. Serrano – Standalone RJA Discovery Motions Permitted Pre-Habeas
Court: California Court of Appeal, Third District Court Documents Key Issues: Whether Penal Code § 745(d) permits a stand-alone post-judgment Racial Justice Act (RJA) discovery motion prior to fili…
californiarja.wordpress.com
June 29, 2025 at 9:22 PM
📌 RJA Discovery Motion Denied? Don’t appeal.
Under People v. Serrano, appeal from a post-judgment RJA discovery denial is not allowed under § 1237.
✅ Use a writ of mandate to challenge the ruling instead.
🧠 Strategically use standalone § 745(d) motions to build habeas-ready records.
#CaliforniaRJA
Under People v. Serrano, appeal from a post-judgment RJA discovery denial is not allowed under § 1237.
✅ Use a writ of mandate to challenge the ruling instead.
🧠 Strategically use standalone § 745(d) motions to build habeas-ready records.
#CaliforniaRJA
🧑⚖️NEW on the RJA Hub:
Can a judge who previously worked as a prosecutor oversee an RJA motion?
CJEO Draft Opinion 2025-028 says:
❌ No automatic disqualification
✅ Yes to mandatory disclosure in many cases
📅 Public comment open until July 11.
📝 Learn more + submit your thoughts
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
Can a judge who previously worked as a prosecutor oversee an RJA motion?
CJEO Draft Opinion 2025-028 says:
❌ No automatic disqualification
✅ Yes to mandatory disclosure in many cases
📅 Public comment open until July 11.
📝 Learn more + submit your thoughts
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
🧑⚖️ Invitation to Comment: Judicial Disqualification and Disclosure Under the Racial Justice Act
Comment Link The California Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions (CJEO) has issued Draft Formal Opinion 2025-028, addressing whether a judge must recuse themselves in Racial Justice …
californiarja.wordpress.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:47 AM
🧑⚖️NEW on the RJA Hub:
Can a judge who previously worked as a prosecutor oversee an RJA motion?
CJEO Draft Opinion 2025-028 says:
❌ No automatic disqualification
✅ Yes to mandatory disclosure in many cases
📅 Public comment open until July 11.
📝 Learn more + submit your thoughts
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
Can a judge who previously worked as a prosecutor oversee an RJA motion?
CJEO Draft Opinion 2025-028 says:
❌ No automatic disqualification
✅ Yes to mandatory disclosure in many cases
📅 Public comment open until July 11.
📝 Learn more + submit your thoughts
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
RJA + SB 672 = Hope 🙏
‼️ Even if Marquell Smith’s RJA claim fails, SB 672 could still bring him before a parole board.
It gives second chances to those convicted between ages 18–25 after 25 years.
💡A future where #RJA + #YouthJustice reform intersect
#RacialJusticeAct #SB672 #PC745 #CaliforniaRJA
‼️ Even if Marquell Smith’s RJA claim fails, SB 672 could still bring him before a parole board.
It gives second chances to those convicted between ages 18–25 after 25 years.
💡A future where #RJA + #YouthJustice reform intersect
#RacialJusticeAct #SB672 #PC745 #CaliforniaRJA
New legislation gives hope to man serving life without parole
Marquell Smith is serving life without parole, but new legislation is giving him hope. Plus, a new map from the California Fire Marshal shows one North County city saw a major increase in fire risk. A...
www.kpbs.org
June 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
RJA + SB 672 = Hope 🙏
‼️ Even if Marquell Smith’s RJA claim fails, SB 672 could still bring him before a parole board.
It gives second chances to those convicted between ages 18–25 after 25 years.
💡A future where #RJA + #YouthJustice reform intersect
#RacialJusticeAct #SB672 #PC745 #CaliforniaRJA
‼️ Even if Marquell Smith’s RJA claim fails, SB 672 could still bring him before a parole board.
It gives second chances to those convicted between ages 18–25 after 25 years.
💡A future where #RJA + #YouthJustice reform intersect
#RacialJusticeAct #SB672 #PC745 #CaliforniaRJA
💥 Whistleblower Tracy Miller claims she was punished for protecting female prosecutors and challenging Spitzer’s decision-making—including conduct that may run afoul of the RJA.
We must ensure legal accountability is accompanied by cultural accountability within DA offices.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
We must ensure legal accountability is accompanied by cultural accountability within DA offices.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
Orange County D.A. says his workplace was a miserable 'lions' den,' in court testimony
Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer is grilled in civil trial over alleged retaliation.
www.latimes.com
June 3, 2025 at 9:11 PM
💥 Whistleblower Tracy Miller claims she was punished for protecting female prosecutors and challenging Spitzer’s decision-making—including conduct that may run afoul of the RJA.
We must ensure legal accountability is accompanied by cultural accountability within DA offices.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
We must ensure legal accountability is accompanied by cultural accountability within DA offices.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
Key Quote from Justice Liu
📝 “Conscientious jurors may come to different conclusions. It is not the province of trial or reviewing courts to substitute their logic for that of jurors.” — CA Supreme Court in People v. McGhee
Protecting deliberations = Protecting justice.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
📝 “Conscientious jurors may come to different conclusions. It is not the province of trial or reviewing courts to substitute their logic for that of jurors.” — CA Supreme Court in People v. McGhee
Protecting deliberations = Protecting justice.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
California Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence in Gang Murder Case Due to Improper Juror Removal - Davis Vanguard
In a rare ruling with broad implications for jury deliberations and the death penalty in California, the California Supreme Court on April 3, 2025, reversed
davisvanguard.org
May 16, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Key Quote from Justice Liu
📝 “Conscientious jurors may come to different conclusions. It is not the province of trial or reviewing courts to substitute their logic for that of jurors.” — CA Supreme Court in People v. McGhee
Protecting deliberations = Protecting justice.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
📝 “Conscientious jurors may come to different conclusions. It is not the province of trial or reviewing courts to substitute their logic for that of jurors.” — CA Supreme Court in People v. McGhee
Protecting deliberations = Protecting justice.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA
Death Penalty and the RJA
⚖️ People v. McGhee is a reminder:
California’s Racial Justice Act continues to loom large over death penalty cases.
McGhee’s RJA claim was not decided yet — and he can still raise it if retried.
#CaliforniaRJA #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #RJA
⚖️ People v. McGhee is a reminder:
California’s Racial Justice Act continues to loom large over death penalty cases.
McGhee’s RJA claim was not decided yet — and he can still raise it if retried.
#CaliforniaRJA #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #RJA
California Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence in Gang Murder Case Due to Improper Juror Removal - Davis Vanguard
In a rare ruling with broad implications for jury deliberations and the death penalty in California, the California Supreme Court on April 3, 2025, reversed
davisvanguard.org
May 12, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Death Penalty and the RJA
⚖️ People v. McGhee is a reminder:
California’s Racial Justice Act continues to loom large over death penalty cases.
McGhee’s RJA claim was not decided yet — and he can still raise it if retried.
#CaliforniaRJA #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #RJA
⚖️ People v. McGhee is a reminder:
California’s Racial Justice Act continues to loom large over death penalty cases.
McGhee’s RJA claim was not decided yet — and he can still raise it if retried.
#CaliforniaRJA #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #RJA
Jury Rights Matter
👩⚖️ In McGhee, the Court ruled:
➡️ Jurors questioning prosecution witnesses aren’t showing misconduct.
➡️ Trial judges must tread carefully when dismissing jurors.
➡️ Credibility decisions belong to the jury, not the judge.
Important for RJA and beyond.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA #CARJA
👩⚖️ In McGhee, the Court ruled:
➡️ Jurors questioning prosecution witnesses aren’t showing misconduct.
➡️ Trial judges must tread carefully when dismissing jurors.
➡️ Credibility decisions belong to the jury, not the judge.
Important for RJA and beyond.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA #CARJA
California Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence in Gang Murder Case Due to Improper Juror Removal - Davis Vanguard
In a rare ruling with broad implications for jury deliberations and the death penalty in California, the California Supreme Court on April 3, 2025, reversed
davisvanguard.org
May 9, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Jury Rights Matter
👩⚖️ In McGhee, the Court ruled:
➡️ Jurors questioning prosecution witnesses aren’t showing misconduct.
➡️ Trial judges must tread carefully when dismissing jurors.
➡️ Credibility decisions belong to the jury, not the judge.
Important for RJA and beyond.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA #CARJA
👩⚖️ In McGhee, the Court ruled:
➡️ Jurors questioning prosecution witnesses aren’t showing misconduct.
➡️ Trial judges must tread carefully when dismissing jurors.
➡️ Credibility decisions belong to the jury, not the judge.
Important for RJA and beyond.
#CaliforniaRJA #RJA #CARJA
🚨Racial Justice Act Watch
🔎 The CA Supreme Court’s reversal in People v. McGhee reaffirms: skepticism of police testimony is not bias. It's protected deliberation.
McGhee’s pending RJA claim could become a major test case if prosecutors retry and seek death again.
#CaliforniaRJA #RacialJuaticeAct
🔎 The CA Supreme Court’s reversal in People v. McGhee reaffirms: skepticism of police testimony is not bias. It's protected deliberation.
McGhee’s pending RJA claim could become a major test case if prosecutors retry and seek death again.
#CaliforniaRJA #RacialJuaticeAct
California Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence in Gang Murder Case Due to Improper Juror Removal - Davis Vanguard
In a rare ruling with broad implications for jury deliberations and the death penalty in California, the California Supreme Court on April 3, 2025, reversed
davisvanguard.org
May 6, 2025 at 3:43 PM
🚨Racial Justice Act Watch
🔎 The CA Supreme Court’s reversal in People v. McGhee reaffirms: skepticism of police testimony is not bias. It's protected deliberation.
McGhee’s pending RJA claim could become a major test case if prosecutors retry and seek death again.
#CaliforniaRJA #RacialJuaticeAct
🔎 The CA Supreme Court’s reversal in People v. McGhee reaffirms: skepticism of police testimony is not bias. It's protected deliberation.
McGhee’s pending RJA claim could become a major test case if prosecutors retry and seek death again.
#CaliforniaRJA #RacialJuaticeAct
Following the decision, Contra Costa's DA Office announced plans to review similar cases from past years.
This marks the second significant RJA ruling involving the county, expanding the interpretation of § 745 to charging practices — not just trial conduct.
#CaliforniaRJA #PC745 #RacialJustiveAct
This marks the second significant RJA ruling involving the county, expanding the interpretation of § 745 to charging practices — not just trial conduct.
#CaliforniaRJA #PC745 #RacialJustiveAct
Judge finds Contra Costa DA’s filing practices are racist, dismisses gang charges in murder case
It is the second landmark ruling resulting in charges being dismissed due to alleged racism by Contra Costa County prosecutors.
www.eastbaytimes.com
April 29, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Following the decision, Contra Costa's DA Office announced plans to review similar cases from past years.
This marks the second significant RJA ruling involving the county, expanding the interpretation of § 745 to charging practices — not just trial conduct.
#CaliforniaRJA #PC745 #RacialJustiveAct
This marks the second significant RJA ruling involving the county, expanding the interpretation of § 745 to charging practices — not just trial conduct.
#CaliforniaRJA #PC745 #RacialJustiveAct