Prosecutor misconduct commission moves forward in “Hynes” legislature
Brooklyn has been plagued by revelations of wrongful convictions and allegations of improper prosecutorial conduct over the past few years. In the last year-and a-half, seven men have been released from prison after being wrongfully convicted in Brooklyn courtrooms and the former District Attorney Charles Hynes may face criminal charges of his own for theft while in office.
The New York State legislature is hoping to curb this misconduct by pushing forward a bill designed to oversee New York’s prosecutors and recommend disciplinary actions against those discovered to have engaged in improper activity or whose performance displays a degree of incompetence not suited for the office.
The role of the “Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct” is outlined in Assembly bill A8634 and Senate bill S6286. Sponsored by Brooklyn Assemblyman N. Nick Perry (D), the Commission will be comprised of 11 members charged with responsibility of analyzing allegations of prosecutorial misconduct and dispensing suggested discipline for infractions.
Of the 11-member commission, three will be appointed by the chief judge, legislative minority leaders will appoint one — and the governor and each legislative majority leader will appoint two. At least three members appointed by legislative members must be defense attorneys.