35 Facts About Larry Krasner

Early Life and Education

Larry Krasner's journey began in Philadelphia, where his early experiences shaped his future career in law and justice.

1. Birth and Early Life: Lawrence Samuel Krasner was born on March 30, 1961, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up in this vibrant city influenced his perspective on justice and community.

2. Education: Krasner attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong foundation in liberal arts. He later earned his law degree from Yale Law School, one of the most prestigious law schools in the country.

Career Beginnings

Krasner's early career set the stage for his later work as a reform-minded district attorney.

3. Career: After graduating from law school, Krasner worked for the Federal Public Defender's Office in Philadelphia. This experience gave him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by defendants in the criminal justice system.

4. Specialization: Krasner specialized in civil rights law, frequently representing protesters pro bono. His dedication to social justice earned him a reputation as a fierce advocate for the underrepresented.

Political Involvement and Election

Krasner's entry into politics marked a significant shift in Philadelphia's approach to criminal justice.

5. Political Involvement: Krasner’s political journey began with his representation of Black Lives Matter and Occupy Philadelphia members. His work with these groups positioned him as an "anti-establishment" candidate during his 2017 primary campaign.

6. 2017 Election: Krasner was elected as the District Attorney of Philadelphia in 2017, running on a platform of criminal justice reform. His victory made him one of the first self-described "progressive prosecutors" in the United States.

Reforms and Policies

Krasner's tenure as District Attorney has been marked by significant reforms aimed at transforming the criminal justice system.

7. Reforms: Krasner campaigned on reducing incarceration, ending cash bail for certain offenses, and seeking more lenient sentences for specific crimes. These reforms aimed to address systemic injustices and promote fairness.

8. First Week in Office: In his first week, Krasner fired 31 prosecutors from the District Attorney's Office, representing nearly a 10% reduction in staff. This move signaled his commitment to change.

9. Policy Changes: Krasner announced that law enforcement would no longer pursue criminal charges for marijuana possession in February 2018. He also instructed prosecutors to stop seeking cash bail for some misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies.

10. Opioid Epidemic: Krasner’s office filed a lawsuit against several pharmaceutical companies for their role in the city's opioid crisis, seeking accountability and compensation for the harm caused.

11. Sex Work Policy: Krasner instructed prosecutors to stop charging sex workers with fewer than three convictions, aiming to reduce the criminalization of marginalized communities.

Police Accountability and Conviction Integrity

Krasner has been a vocal advocate for police accountability and has taken steps to address wrongful convictions.

12. Police Accountability: Krasner has pursued police misconduct cases and sued the police department multiple times. His efforts aim to promote transparency and accountability within law enforcement.

13. Conviction Integrity Unit: As of April 2022, Krasner’s Conviction Integrity Unit had exonerated 25 people convicted under previous DAs. This demonstrates his commitment to justice and fairness.

Innovative Programs and Public Perception

Krasner's innovative programs and public perception have shaped his legacy as a reform-minded district attorney.

14. Alternative Felony Diversion Program: In September 2021, Krasner started an Alternative Felony Diversion program for people charged with illegal possession of firearms. By 2024, the program was associated with a 76 percent reduction in re-arrests.

15. Documentary Series: Krasner was featured in the 2021 documentary series Philly D.A., which won a prestigious Peabody Award in June 2022 for its portrayal of Krasner and his movement.

16. Reelection: Despite facing flimsy competition, Krasner was reelected in 2021, maintaining his position as a champion of progressive reforms in Philadelphia.

Controversies and Criticisms

Krasner's tenure has not been without controversy, as critics have challenged his policies and decisions.

17. Controversies: Critics argue that Krasner’s policies have led to an increase in homicides and a reduction in prosecutions, particularly for violent crimes. However, supporters believe his reforms address systemic injustices.

18. Wharton Case: Krasner’s handling of the case involving Ronald Wharton, convicted of murder and attempted escape from prison, has been criticized. Krasner’s team argued for Wharton’s release from death row despite evidence of his escape attempts and infractions.

19. Police Union Opposition: Krasner has faced intense opposition from the police union, which has challenged his policies and criticized his handling of police misconduct cases.

Public Support and Ethical Concerns

Despite controversies, Krasner has maintained strong public support and faced ethical scrutiny.

20. Public Support: Krasner has strong public support, particularly from predominantly African-American wards and progressive activist groups.

21. Memo to Staff: In his first few months, Krasner sent a five-page memo to his staff outlining new policies aimed at reducing incarceration costs and improving sentencing practices. The memo instructed prosecutors to justify the exact costs of every single person sentenced to a crime in Philadelphia.

22. Incarceration Costs: Krasner highlighted that the city spends $360 million per year to jail around 6,000 people, which is more than the beginning salary of teachers, police officers, firefighters, social workers, addiction counselors, and even prosecutors in his office.

23. Probation Reform: Krasner’s policies aimed at drastically reducing the length of probationary periods focused on the fact that Philadelphia has over 44,000 people on probation, many of whom are nonviolent individuals who shouldn’t be in these programs.

24. Police Misconduct List: In his first few months in office, Krasner released a list of 29 police officers who were on a “do-not-call list” due to their involvement in misconduct or crimes. These officers had been charged with offenses such as lying to investigators, filing false reports, using excessive force, driving drunk, and burglary.

25. Meek Mill Case: Krasner’s office supported rapper Meek Mill’s release on bail, arguing that Mill would likely win an appeal on his original case. This decision was influenced by the testimony of an unreliable police officer, Reginald Graham, who was on the list of unreliable cops.

26. Soros Funding: Krasner has been funded by George Soros, which has led to criticism from some who argue that his reforms are driven by external ideological influences rather than local needs.

27. Ethical Concerns: Critics have raised ethical concerns about Krasner’s handling of certain cases, including his willingness to defend individuals with questionable backgrounds. For example, his predecessor, F. Emmett Fitzpatrick, had defended clients connected to organized crime.

Historical Context and National Influence

Krasner's policies represent a significant departure from those of his predecessors and have influenced other prosecutors nationwide.

28. Historical Context: Krasner’s policies are a significant departure from those of his predecessors, who were often criticized for their handling of cases involving marginalized communities. For instance, Abraham, the former “Deadliest D.A.,” was known for overseeing more than 100 death sentences during her tenure.

29. Public Perception: Krasner’s tenure has been marked by a polarized public perception. While some see him as a champion of justice and reform, others view him as incompetent or overly lenient in his approach to crime.

30. Documentary Impact: The documentary series Philly D.A. has significantly impacted public perception of Krasner and his policies. The series provides a detailed look at his reforms and their implementation, offering a nuanced perspective on his role in Philadelphia’s criminal justice system.

Challenges and Community Engagement

Implementing reforms in a complex system like the criminal justice system is challenging, but Krasner has engaged with the community to build support.

31. Reform Challenges: Implementing significant reforms in a complex system like the criminal justice system is challenging. Krasner has faced numerous challenges, including resistance from law enforcement and skepticism from some community members.

32. Data-Driven Approach: Krasner has taken a data-driven approach to his reforms, using statistics to justify his policies and track their effectiveness. This approach has been instrumental in demonstrating the impact of his reforms on crime rates and incarceration numbers.

33. Community Engagement: Krasner has engaged with the community through various initiatives, including public meetings and outreach programs. This engagement has helped build trust and support for his reforms among marginalized communities.

34. National Influence: Krasner’s approach to criminal justice reform has influenced other prosecutors across the country. His commitment to addressing systemic injustices and reducing mass incarceration has set a national precedent for progressive prosecutors.

35. Legacy: As Krasner continues to serve as the District Attorney of Philadelphia, his legacy is being shaped by the outcomes of his reforms. Whether his policies will be sustained or reversed remains to be seen, but his impact on the city’s criminal justice system is undeniable.

Krasner's Impact on Philadelphia

Larry Krasner's time as Philadelphia's District Attorney has been anything but ordinary. His bold reforms aimed at reducing mass incarceration, promoting police accountability, and addressing systemic injustices have sparked both praise and criticism. From firing prosecutors to ending cash bail for certain offenses, Krasner's actions have reshaped the city's criminal justice landscape. His data-driven approach and community engagement efforts have set a national precedent for progressive prosecutors. Despite facing opposition from the police union and critics, Krasner's commitment to justice and fairness remains unwavering. His legacy, marked by significant reforms and a focus on marginalized communities, continues to influence the conversation around criminal justice reform. Whether his policies will stand the test of time or face reversal, Krasner's impact on Philadelphia is undeniable. His tenure serves as a crucial chapter in the ongoing story of justice and reform.