Larry Krasner

Larry Krasner
Name	Larry Krasner
Birth date	July 22, 1949
Birth place	St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Attorney, Prosecutor
Years active	1970s–present
Known for	Progressive prosecution, criminal justice reform

Larry Krasner is an American lawyer and progressive prosecutor who has served as the elected District Attorney of Philadelphia. A longtime civil rights litigator and public defender, he became prominent for challenging police misconduct and advocating for systemic reforms in criminal justice. Krasner's career bridges litigation against law-enforcement institutions, political campaigns, and a contentious tenure implementing prosecutorial policy changes in a major American city.

Early life and education

Krasner was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in a family with roots in the Midwest who later moved to Birmingham, Alabama and other cities during his youth. He attended Vassar College for undergraduate studies before earning a juris doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. During his formative years he encountered influences from figures and movements such as the Civil Rights Movement, Black Panther Party, and the legal activism of organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People which shaped his orientation toward public-interest law. Krasner later participated in clinics and legal fellowships connected to institutions like the Legal Aid Society and state public defender offices in cities such as New York City and Philadelphia.

Legal career

Krasner began his legal career practicing as a defense attorney and civil-rights litigator, representing clients in cases involving alleged misconduct by agencies such as the Philadelphia Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police. He co-founded the law firm Krasner & Levine and later worked with organizations including the Garment Workers' Legal Aid Society and nonprofit civil-rights groups. Krasner litigated against entities like the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and municipal police departments, bringing claims under statutes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1871 (commonly invoked via 42 U.S.C. § 1983) and engaging with courts including the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He represented clients in high-profile matters alongside attorneys from firms and centers such as the ACLU of Pennsylvania, the Public Interest Law Center, and academic clinics at universities like Temple University and Pennsylvania State University. Krasner’s litigation involved coordination with civil-rights leaders and activists associated with figures such as Cornel West, Noam Chomsky, and organizations like Amnesty International on criminal-justice critiques.

Philadelphia District Attorney tenure

In 2017 Krasner defeated incumbent Ralph J. Marra Jr.-aligned candidates to become District Attorney of Philadelphia, running on a platform that aligned with national reformist campaigns led by figures including George Soros-backed political committees and coalitions similar to those supporting progressive prosecutors in cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and Baltimore. He was sworn into office amid comparisons to reform-minded prosecutors such as Larry Hoover-adjacent advocates and contemporaries like Chesa Boudin and Kim Foxx. Krasner's administration interacted with institutions including the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and federal partners such as the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. His tenure attracted attention from municipal actors like Mayor Jim Kenney, state officials including Governor Tom Wolf, and national commentators from outlets connected to the American Civil Liberties Union and advocacy groups.

Policies and reforms

Krasner instituted prosecutorial directives that altered charging decisions, bail recommendations, and plea negotiation practices, affecting enforcement of statutes such as state-level drug laws and firearms statutes enforced by agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and municipal ordinances handled in Philadelphia Municipal Court. He launched diversion programs in partnership with public-health entities like Philadelphia Department of Public Health, addiction-treatment providers connected to institutions like Independence Blue Cross-funded initiatives, and social-services organizations modeled after programs in Oakland, Seattle, and New York City. Krasner prioritized investigations into patterns of alleged officer misconduct, establishing review practices that referenced consent-decree precedents involving the Department of Justice and past remedies negotiated in cases such as Terry v. Ohio-related jurisprudence. His office emphasized data-driven metrics, coordinating with academic partners at University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and think tanks like the Urban Institute and the Brennan Center for Justice to evaluate outcomes.

Notable cases and controversies

Krasner's tenure saw lawsuits and disputes involving alleged Brady violations brought before judges in courts including the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and appellate cases considered by the Third Circuit. High-profile prosecutions and dismissals intersected with cases involving public figures and organizations such as investigations into police shootings that referenced precedents like Graham v. Connor and civil suits invoking remedies under Monell v. Department of Social Services of the City of New York. Controversies involved criticisms from elected officials including members of the Philadelphia City Council, law-enforcement unions such as the Fraternal Order of Police, and state prosecutors in counties across Pennsylvania. Krasner faced political challenges and recall efforts similar to those in jurisdictions like San Francisco and Cook County, and his policies generated responses from federal legislators including members of Congress and commentators on platforms like the New York Times and Fox News.

Personal life and affiliations

Krasner has been active in civic and professional networks including bar associations like the Pennsylvania Bar Association and national groups such as the National Lawyers Guild. He has lectured at academic institutions including Villanova University School of Law, Temple University Beasley School of Law, and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Krasner’s affiliations extend to advocacy organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and local civic groups in Philadelphia. His personal connections include relationships with legal colleagues and public figures in municipal politics, and he resides in the Philadelphia area.

Category:People from St. Louis, Missouri Category:Drexel University affiliates Category:Philadelphia District Attorneys