Philadelphia progressive prosecutor Larry Krasner seeks third term

Apnews - Apr 15th, 2025

Larry Krasner, the Philadelphia District Attorney, is running for a third term despite facing significant opposition from Republicans, including a failed impeachment attempt. Krasner, a progressive figure in criminal justice reform, has seen support from Philadelphia’s Black political establishment and other reformers as crime rates in the city and nationwide decline. He continues to challenge the Republican narrative that progressive prosecutors are to blame for rising crime rates during the pandemic, citing recent studies showing no link between progressive policies and crime spikes.

The broader context includes a national effort by some Republican leaders to oust progressive prosecutors, often targeting young Black female prosecutors. Krasner, who has become emblematic of the progressive movement in criminal justice, emphasizes the importance of maintaining public safety while promoting fairness and reform. His upcoming primary opponent, Pat Dugan, criticizes Krasner’s policies, labeling him as lenient on crime. However, with crime rates decreasing and a strong support base, Krasner positions himself as a defender of democracy against what he describes as authoritarian attempts to undermine judicial power.

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Larry Krasner's tenure as Philadelphia's District Attorney, highlighting his progressive policies and the political challenges he faces. It is well-timed and relevant to current debates on justice reform and political accountability. The story is generally accurate, though it could benefit from more detailed verification of crime statistics and independent expert opinions. The balance is maintained by presenting both support and criticism, though additional perspectives from law enforcement or crime victims could enhance it. While the article is clear and engaging, further transparency regarding sources and methodology would improve its reliability. Overall, it effectively informs readers about the complexities of Krasner's role and the broader implications for progressive prosecution in the U.S.

Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate depiction of Larry Krasner's tenure and the challenges he faces as a progressive prosecutor. It accurately notes his history of reform-focused policies, such as opposition to the death penalty and cash bail. The claim that crime rates in Philadelphia have decreased is supported by available data, although specific figures would enhance precision. The article correctly identifies Krasner's impeachment attempt and the political dynamics surrounding it. However, it could benefit from more detailed verification of claims regarding the national context of progressive prosecutors and the impact of Krasner's policies on crime rates in Philadelphia.

Balance

The story provides a balanced view by presenting both support and criticism of Krasner. It outlines his progressive achievements and the backing he receives from reformers and the Black political establishment, while also highlighting criticisms from Republicans and his primary challenger, Pat Dugan. However, the article could improve balance by providing more detailed perspectives from crime victims or law enforcement officials who may have differing views on Krasner's policies.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy to follow. It effectively outlines Krasner's history, policies, and the political dynamics at play. The logical flow from Krasner's background to current political challenges helps readers understand the broader narrative. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, particularly regarding crime statistics and their implications.

Source quality

The article primarily relies on statements from Larry Krasner and his political context, which are credible given his position and public record. However, it lacks a diverse range of sources, such as independent experts or crime analysts, to provide a more comprehensive view. Including data from crime reports or studies would enhance the reliability of the claims made about crime trends and policy impacts.

Transparency

The article provides some context for Krasner's policies and the political climate in which he operates. However, it could be more transparent about the methodology behind crime rate statistics and the sources of its claims. Additionally, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest or biases in the reporting would improve transparency.