Two New Progressive County Prosecutors on Rethinking Criminal Justice in Michigan

Every four years, we elect prosecutors in the state of Michigan. Prosecutors are arbiters of justice and traditionally, they rule with a heavy hand. But in 2020, a handful of progressive candidates ran for the position of prosecutor in several Michigan counties. Now in office, these prosecutors are working hard to reduce recidivism rates, promote rehabilitation and eliminate inequitable practices in the criminal justice system.

“We haven’t done enough to address the root cause. It’s not just about equity and fairness … it’s also about rethinking public safety and trying to build a more sustainable system.” –Eli Savit, Washtenaw County Prosecutor 

Listen: Prosecutors Eli Savit and Karen McDonald discuss their first year in office. 

Guests

Eli Savit is the Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County. Savit, who was previously a teacher, has focused his legal career on social justice issues. “Federal reforms are important … but truth is … if you are really focused on criminal justice reform it needs to come at the state and local level,” he says. 

In January 2021, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office abolished the cash bail system to reduce inequities in the pre-trial process. Savit explains, “We don’t seek cash bail in the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office … when someone’s freedom is dependent on wealth, that means a wealthier person who may pose a threat to community can buy their way out of jail.”

Savit believes there is much more work to be done to reform the criminal justice system in Michigan and across the country. “We haven’t done enough to address the root cause,” he says. “It’s not just about equity and fairness … it’s also about rethinking public safety and trying to build a more sustainable system.”

Karen McDonald is the Oakland County Prosecutor. “I’m really proud to be the highest law enforcement official in Oakland County because the county is open to doing things the right way. I want things to be fair and safe and just and I’m proud to say county voters do too,” McDonald says.

McDonald’s office collects data on crime and racial disparities in the criminal justice system in Oakland County. She believes that the county needs to focus its efforts on reforming the juvenile justice system. She says, “We have to care about our most vulnerable people … and those are children. If a child spends even a day in foster care they increase the likelihood almost seven times for future incarceration … and homelessness.”

McDonald emphasizes using evidence-based policies to reduce inequities and promote safety in Oakland County. She says, “I am often described as a progressive prosecutor … this is just common sense. I want our county to be safe and I want our criminal justice system to be fair.”

Web story written by Molly Ryan