- Relentless
February 3, 2010
Center for Justice joins citizen coalition in advancing new police accountability ordinance for Spokane.
- Zehm Case Clears a Hurdle
January 26, 2010
Federal Judge will allow most state claims to proceed in Zehm civil case.
- Let Freedom Sing
January 23, 2010
Center for Justice weighs in (again) for street musicians being harassed on downtown sidewalks.
- Opening the Courtroom
January 20, 2010
U.S. Supreme Court rules that the right to a public trial includes jury selection process.
- Race & Consequences
January 6, 2010
Federal appeals court panel sends sparks flying with dramatic ruling on racial discrimination, justice, and voting rights in Washington state.
- Taming Tasers
January 5, 2010
In Ventura County case, a federal appeals court defines the limits of lawful use of electrifying stun guns by police officers.
- But Thanks for Asking…
November 22, 2009
S-R reports new police guild contract won’t include investigatory powers for Ombudsman.
- Blast from the Past
November 11, 2009
This week marks the Centennial of the IWW’s electrifying free speech campaign in Spokane. How today’s activists brought the historic conflict back to life.
- Biting Taxpayers
November 4, 2009
County spends $4,500 to settle case where police dog attacked security guard.
- Hail Mary
October 20, 2009
After another surreal and tension-filled hearing on police oversight, the Spokane City Council throws a long and clearly unwelcome pass toward the Mayor.
- Some Teeth for the Watchdog?
October 17, 2009
On Monday, Council will take up resolution urging Mayor to bargain for independent investigative authority for police Ombudsman.
- Living Through It
Attorney James V. Cook on how to survive an arrest when you haven’t done anything wrong.
- Myth-Busted
October 12, 2009
In a pivotal ruling with clear implications for Spokane, the state’s Public Employment Relations Commission clarifies the limited reach of labor agreements when it comes to independent oversight of police misconduct.
- Officer Thompson’s New Beat
October 7, 2009
In a CFJ exclusive by investigative reporter Bill Morlin we learn that indicted Spokane police officer Karl Thompson has been assigned to train other officers on “high risk” incidents, and that Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick is actively seeking a new job. UPDATED 10/08/09 With a response from Chief Kirkpatrick.
- Ombudsfix
October 1, 2009
Citizen Coalition seeks resolution directing Mayor to bargain for investigative authority for police ombudsman.
- “Pound Sand”
September 24, 2009
City blasts back at Justice Department and Center for Justice in response to government’s charges of obstruction and manipulation.
- “Blunt Force Trauma”
September 23, 2009
Government identifies expert witnesses expected to provide testimony in the criminal trial that head injuries sustained by Otto Zehm were from baton blows.
- Jailhouse Rocked
September 21, 2009
King County Judge reaffirms that automatic jail bookings fees violate Constitutional due process rights.
- Tangling with Treppiedi
September 16, 2009
In a bombshell of a motion, the Justice Department discloses an ongoing criminal investigation into obstruction of justice in the Zehm case, and requests a stay in the civil case to protect its investigation from the city’s defense tactics.
- A “Thrilling” Reprieve at City Hall
September 3, 2009
In a ruling that avoids a criminal justice migraine for Spokane, the state Supreme Court reverses appeals court on judicial jurisdiction case.
- Room to Speak
August 13, 2009
At the Center’s urging, the City of Spokane Valley decides not to follow Spokane’s lead on a “panhandling” ordinance.
- Vindication for Shawn Huss
July 8, 2009
County agrees to settle class action lawsuit arising from jail bookings fee dispute.
- In the Cause of Trent Yohe
July 1, 2009
Center sues Spokane County and three deputies over a death in the Valley.
- The Mayor Wades In
June 30, 2009
Mary Verner walked into a tension-packed Spokane City Council meeting on June 29th to fight for her police ombudsman pick.
- The Tipping Point?
June 25, 2009
In a CFJ video journal, the Center’s Breean Beggs offers a frank assessment of how the recent federal indictment in the Otto Zehm case is affecting public attitudes toward city leaders and Spokane police.
- Going Too Far
U.S. Supreme Court finds strip search of 13-year-old student Savana Redding violated her Fourth Amendment rights.
- Randy and Rocky
June 22, 2009
The federal criminal indictment in the Otto Zehm case picks up where KREM-TV anchor Randy Shaw left off two years ago in an interview with Assistant City Attorney Rocky Treppiedi.
- The Indictment
Spokane Police Officer Karl F. Thompson, Jr., is indicted on two federal felony counts in the Otto Zehm case.
- A Meeting with the Mayor
June 16, 2009
Spokane groups working to bolster independence of police ombudsman office expected to meet next week with Mayor Verner.
- The Shooter and the White Hat
June 13, 2009
The Washington Supreme Court’s decision to deny DNA testing in the case of Alex Riofta is bad news for Riofta. But it may help other Washington convicts seeking to prove their innocence.
- Seizing the Moment (and the Podium)
May 29, 2009
In a move intended to show the depth of public commitment to police oversight, Spokane citizen groups take to City Hall to demand an independent Ombudsman’s office.
- Who Gets to Judge?
May 28, 2009
Washington Supreme Court hears oral arguments in CFJ case challenging propriety of Spokane District Court judge’s decision to hear and rule on municipal cases.
- “We Went Off Course.”
May 25, 2009
In a much anticipated speech, President Obama issues his strongest denunciation of torture to date, and reaffirms his commitment to closing Guantanamo detention center.
- State Secrets and the ‘Torture Plane’
April 29, 2009
In a clear rebuke to the Obama Justice Department, the Ninth Circuit reinstates lawsuit brought by former torture victims against Boeing subsidiary involved in the CIA’s “extraordinary rendition” program. UPDATED 4/30/09.
- Resurrection With a Cause
April 22, 2009
Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton lived through a tragedy of injustice that drenched their lives in violence and hate. What emerged were stunning personal transformations and a powerful new partnership to try to protect the innocent.
- The Policy
April 16, 2009
The City of Spokane’s explanations in the Sgt. Pete Bunch case confirms what many suspected, that the city has a double standard when it comes to investigating criminality by uniformed officers.
- “Justice Denied”
April 15, 2009
Bipartisan Constitution Project finds “grave problems” nationwide in the public defense system and warns about deteriorating representation for poor defendants as states face tightening budgets.
- Exoneration & Forgiveness
April 10, 2009
Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, co-author of “Picking Cotton,” comes to Spokane on April 21st to share an extraordinary human story with deep implications for the justice system.
- Ending the ‘Culture of Denial’
April 7, 2009
In an appearance before area Democrats, Breean Beggs makes a non-partisan appeal for public accountability and major reforms in Spokane law enforcement.
- Notes for the Medicine Wheels
March 25, 2009
In a circle knotted with fear and confusion, Spokane’s Native American community tries to absorb the shock of a jury’s verdict, and to find ways to heal the wound with the Spokane Police Department.
- On Behalf of Otto Zehm
March 15, 2009
Come what may, the Center’s lawsuit against the City over the death of Otto Zehm engages an important battle for the soul of Spokane.
- Center Files Suit in the Case of Otto Zehm
March 13, 2009
Federal complaint alleges violation of civil rights both in the March 18, 2006 death and in Police Department and City efforts to “falsely portray” the victim as the aggressor.
- About Those Memos
January 28, 2009
In a compelling test of the Obama Administration’s commitment to open records, the ACLU asks Justice Department to release dozens of memos on surveillance and detainee treatment.
- A Day of Redemption for the late Tyler Shaw
December 16, 2008
Asotin County and City of Clarkston concede culpability in the 2005 death of an impaired young man in the Asotin County Jail. (KLEW-TV video link added 12-22-08)
- Condoleezza Rice and the “T” Word
December 14, 2008
The Secretary of State’s response to an NPR interviewer’s question about torture is something that she, and the rest of us, should still have to wrestle with.
- City Courts for City Problems
December 11, 2008
The Center’s Chief Catalyst, Breean Beggs, finds promise in the City’s move to establish a new Municipal Court.
- Looking for Judges
December 10, 2008
In response to Center’s push for reforms, the City of Spokane is seeking applicants for new Municipal Court.
- Postscript: Word on the Street
November 28, 2008
I gave him about four bucks and told him to go use that for whatever he needed. He told me thanks and then said, “I probably just broke the law, didn’t I?”
- A Sweeter Tune
November 25, 2008
Responding to CFJ and public feedback, Spokane City Council makes several changes to ordinances regulating panhandling and street musicians.
- The Constitution, the Sidewalk, the Beggar, and the Open Guitar Case
November 11, 2008
The Center’s critique of Spokane’s proposed new criminal constraints on street solicitors finds numerous First Amendment problems.
- Mending “Spine” at the Justice Department
November 10, 2008
The list of dire problems facing the new President is mind-numbing. But major surgery to save the Department of Justice from its demise during the Bush Administration has got to be near the top.
- Footing the Bill(s), Sort of
October 30, 2008
Washington Supreme Court rules that citizens who prevail against state agencies are entitled to at least some compensation for legal expenses at each step of judicial review.
- Running Up The Tab
October 28, 2008
Federal judge rejects Spokane County’s motions for reconsideration in jail bookings fee case.
- Goodbye Guantanamo
October 7, 2008
In a historic blow to the Bush Administration, federal judge orders release of 17 Chinese Muslims held at Guantanamo.
- Police Rules
October 6, 2008
Despite Misgivings, Spokane Council Unanimously Adopts Police Ombudsman Ordinance.
- Police Oversight Hearing Rambles On
September 30, 2008
Sparks fly as council delays vote another week.
- Ombudsmuddle
September 22, 2008
Council hearing on police oversight is continued for a week amid confusion about what an ombudsman would do, and not do.
- Fix or Farce?
September 18, 2008
Center encourages public testimony as police ombudsman measure comes before Spokane City Council Monday night.
- Without A Leg To Stand On
September 8, 2008
Grant County and City of Moses Lake agree to $25,000 compensation and jail reforms in case involving seizure of prisoner’s prosthesis.
- Questions About Tasers
July 27, 2008
A year ago, 28-year-old Josh Levy jumped off the Monroe Street bridge after a police effort to end a long standoff by using a Taser failed. On the anniversary of this tragedy, Center for Justice Chief Catalyst Breean Beggs describes how Tasers work and delves into the serious questions that are being raised as the supposedly non-lethal devices gain wider use.
- A Guantanamo Sequel
July 1, 2008
In the wake of Boumediene v. Bush, a U.S. Appeals Court lays down a withering treatise on power and due process in the case of Huzaifa Parhat.
- The Guild Weighs In
June 21, 2008
KXLY-TV broke news Saturday night of the Spokane Police Guild’s overwhelming vote in favor of an Office of Police Ombudsman. The broadcast included a critique of the deal from the Center’s Breean Beggs.
- Taguba’s Question
June 18, 2008
In the preface to a new Physicians for Human Rights report on former U.S. detainees, the General who led the Army’s investigation into Abu Ghraib is accusing the White House of war crimes and asking when the accountability will come.
- Habeas Rules
June 12, 2008
In what the New York Times is heralding as a “historic” ruling on the balance between liberty and security, the U.S. Supreme Court decides 5 to 4 that Guantanamo detainees have the habeas corpus right to challenge their detention in U.S. courts.
- Crossing the Line Draws a Crowd
May 17, 2008
Mayor Mary Verner joined an audience that packed the CenterStage hall for a Whitworth student presentation examining issues of police violence.
- A Clear Message from Boise
May 15, 2008
In his appearance before the Spokane City Council, Boise police ombudsman Pierce Murphy avoided direct criticism of Spokane’s “tentative agreement” with its police guild. But he did stress the importance of independent investigative powers for gaining public confidence.
- Remembering Otto Zehm
March 20, 2008
Two years ago Otto Zehm went into a north side convenience store for a bottle of pop and a Snickers bar. In the aftermath of his tragic death, it became utterly clear that Spokane had a lot of work to do to rebuild confidence in its police. It’s time to finish the job.
advocacy work to promote fairness and due process in law enforcement and imprisonment. It includes our prison project, and our law enforcement oversight and reform efforts.