Attorney General Letitia James’ Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit (SIPU) today released its report into the death of Allan Feliz, 31, an ex-con who was shot by cops on October 17, 2019 in the Bronx, during a traffic stop over seat belts.
After a comprehensive investigation, SIPU did not find criminal culpability on the part of the members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) who were involved in the incident. Based on witness accounts, considerable video evidence, and an exhaustive review of the facts, the use of deadly force could not be proven to be unjustified beyond a reasonable doubt, as the legal standard requires.
Although SIPU found no criminal culpability in this tragic matter, there are several serious concerns about the NYPD’s handling of the incident. SIPU issued a number of recommendations to address these concerns, including reiterating the call to remove NYPD officers from engaging in routine traffic enforcement altogether. The vast majority of traffic stops — including this one — do not involve criminal conduct, yet the involvement of police in such situations can result in violent interactions. To the extent the NYPD continues to be involved in traffic enforcement, the NYPD should direct its officers not to arrest motorists for open warrants related to minor offenses.
“The death of Allan Feliz was a tragedy, and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones during this time,” said Attorney General James. “My office conducted…
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We are outraged by the decision in the Breonna Taylor murder case announced by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron today. Of the three Louisville Metro Police Department officers responsible for her murder, only one – Brett Hankison – was charged, while Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove are still walking free.
More than six months after Breonna Taylor’s murder, Brett Hankison was charged for wanton endangerment for the gunshots he fired into her neighbor’s apartment, but not for the shots he fired that robbed Breonna Taylor of her life. The verdict sends a very clear message that walls are deemed to be more valuable than Black life in our country.
The American judicial system has failed Breonna Taylor. It is time to fundamentally reform the system to ensure justice for our communities. We must defund the police and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions. We need to ensure public safety by investing in infrastructure, safe and affordable housing, education, youth and services for Black and brown communities.
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Editorial
You should know that the Honorable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was a jurist in the highest court of the United States passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020, after 07:00 p.m., at the age of 87. Justice Ginsburg was appointed by President Bill Clinton 27 years ago. Her death comes at a politically difficult time in our country, especially during a presidential election year.
It is important that you know that according to the United States Constitution, it is the sole responsibility of the President of the United States to appoint judges to the Supreme Court. This my dear readers, is the Constitution!
- Under Article II of the Constitution, the president “shall appoint … judges to the Supreme Court,” and the Senate’s role is to provide “advice and consent” Known as the “appointments clause” of the Constitution, it lays out three sequential acts in order to fill a vacancy.First, the nomination by the president; second, the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate; and third, the appointment by the president. There is no exception for the president to refuse to nominate a successor nor is there an exception for senators to refuse to provide advice and consent.
- Only the president has the constitutional authority to nominate a justice and the Senate does not have any authority until after the president makes a nomination. Although it may be good practice, the president is under no obligation to obtain advice from the Senate before a nomination since the Senate’s duty to provide advice and consent begins only afterthe nomination.
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The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged New Yorkers to review their current tax situation. By taking a closer look at your tax records now, you can ensure you do not end up owing unpaid taxes, and you may be able to claim valuable tax credits when you file your income tax return next year.
“We know that many taxpayers are facing challenges this year, and we want to remind them of all the valuable tax credits available here in New York,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Mike Schmidt. “We also want taxpayers to understand that unemployment insurance payments are taxable. As a result, some taxpayers may need to adjust their withholding to prevent a tax bill in 2021.”
Unemployment benefits are taxable benefits
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