Nathan Hochman: What This Means for Justice Reform and Black Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA— Nathan Hochman has been sworn in as Los Angeles County’s new District Attorney, marking the beginning of a significant shift in the city’s approach to criminal justice. The ceremony, presided over by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, was filled with promises of “law and order” and a departure from the policies of Hochman’s predecessor, George Gascón.
For Black Angelenos and other marginalized communities, Hochman’s leadership raises serious questions about the future of justice reform in a city where systemic inequities in policing and prosecution remain persistent issues.
Four years ago, George Gascón entered office on a wave of progressive energy, vowing to transform Los Angeles County’s criminal justice system. His policies were designed to address the deep racial disparities in sentencing and incarceration that have disproportionately affected Black communities in Los Angeles for decades.
Among Gascon’s most notable reforms are ending juvenile prosecutions in adult courts, Eliminating most sentencing enhancements and barring prosecutors from attending parole hearings.
Gascón’s efforts reflected a broader national reckoning with systemic racism, sparked by the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Yet, his tenure also faced backlash from within his office and segments of the public, particularly amid fears of rising crime.
During his swearing-in, Hochman made it clear he intends to roll back many of these policies, vowing to “have the backs” of his prosecutors and prioritize tougher sentencing. The prospect of returning to harsher prosecution strategies is concerning for Black communities inn Los Angeles, already disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system.
Sentencing enhancements, for example, have long been criticized for amplifying racial inequities. A conviction involving gang enhancements—a designation disproportionately applied to Black men—can add decades to a prison sentence, even in cases with little evidence of gang involvement.
Supporters of Gascón point to data showing a decline in homicides and property crimes in Los Angeles, suggesting that his reforms did not lead to crime. However, Hochman and his backers have painted a grim picture of Los Angeles in recent years, citing public safety concerns and sensational headlines about violent crime.
While crime rates fluctuate, the perception of safety often varies dramatically depending on one’s socioeconomic status and race. For Black Angelenos, who are already more likely to be victims of violent crime and over-policed, the stakes of this policy shift are particularly high.
As Hochman begins his term, it’s vital for community leaders, activists, and Black Angelenos to stay engaged, advocating for policies that prioritize equity and fairness over punitive measures.
