Episode 10 - Season 1 finale: Obstacles to Our Movement
Guest: Rachel Rollins
In the Season 1 Finale of Chasing Justice, DA Boudin and Rachel get personal with Suffolk County (Boston) DA Rachael Rollins. DA Rollins opens up about obstacles she has overcome as a person and as a progressive prosecutor. Both DAs also discuss the role of familial incarceration in their lives and in their new roles. The DAs and Rachel also talk about meeting with incarcerated people as prosecutors; the many challenges progressive DAs face in getting elected; and the role of money in elections. They also explore how to overcome institutional resistance--including from their own offices-- as well as from the courts and police institutions. It’s a candid, thoughtful, and, at times, even funny conversation about how those committed to criminal justice reform can overcome the many obstacles to success.
Chasing Justice is taking a seasonal break but we will be back soon with new episodes! We encourage you to stay in touch with us during the break. You can email us at chasingjusticepodcast@gmail.com. You can also find us on Instagram or facebook at chasingjusticepodcast or on twitter at @ChasingPodcast. During the seasonal break, you can also follow DA Boudin on his personal twitter/instagram at @chesaboudin and Rachel at @RachelRMarshall.
Episode Notes:
Boston Magazine 2019 profile on DA Rollins and the hope she brings to Boston
Boston Globe piece from July 2020 on other DAs undermining DA Rollins and filing a motion to intervene in her decision
Boston Globe piece from June 2020 on DA Rollins’s comments about race after the George Floyd murder
WGBH radio interview/article on DA Rollins’s rise as a progressive prosecutor
DA Rollins’s List of 15 charges to decline prosecuting
Commonwealth article about DA Rollins’s win
Article about DA Boudin’s opposition to San Francisco ending its “Zero bail” policy during COVID-19