Why was San Francisco reformist District Attorney Chesa Boudin recalled? Who was really behind it? What does it mean for the future of the reformist DA movement? And what's next for Chesa? We ask Chesa himself.

District Attorney Chesa Boudin was sworn in as San Francisco District Attorney in January 2020 to implement urgently needed reforms to our criminal justice system. Chesa personally understands the impact of incarceration; both of his parents were incarcerated throughout his childhood. Despite tremendous obstacles, Chesa graduated from top schools, became a lawyer, and dedicated his career to public service. Chesa’s personal experience with parental incarceration inspired him to dedicate his career to making our country safer and more just by working to reform our criminal justice system. Chesa is a Rhodes Scholar who graduated from Yale Law School. After obtaining his law degree, he worked as a law clerk to the Honorable M. Margaret McKeown of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and later for the Honorable Charles Breyer of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. As an attorney, Chesa has litigated more than 300 felony cases including murder, attempted murders, shootings, stabbings, home break-ins, drug sales, kidnappings, and auto burglaries. Under Chesa’s leadership, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office has increased its prosecution rates; expanded victim services; and added new prosecution units, all while making investments to reduce recidivism and redirect towards education and employment. Chesa believes we must hold accountable those who violate the law; and he also recognizes that we are all safer when we can and address the root causes of crime to prevent crime before it happens. District Attorney Boudin’s innovative work has focused on three main areas: 1) centering and increasing support for crime victims and survivors; 2) ensuring equal justice under the law; 3) developing new programs and reforms to ensure a more fair and just criminal legal system. Chesa, his wife, and their newborn son live in the Sunset District of San Francisco.

For bonus content, to support independent media & to help make this program possible, please join us on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/thekatiehalpershow