2.2 Use of Discretion by Dallas and Baltimore Prosecutors Prosecutors have a great deal of discretion in the courtroom. District Attorneys in Baltimore, Dallas, and other places across the U.S. are

2.2 Use of Discretion by Dallas and Baltimore Prosecutors 

Prosecutors have a great deal of discretion in the courtroom.  District Attorneys in Baltimore, Dallas, and other places across the U.S. are using their prosecutorial discretion to stop prosecuting misdemeanors such as marijuana possession and simple trespass.  They argue that these cases generally do not pose public safety concerns and disproportionately impact poor people and communities of color.  What are your thoughts on this discretionary decision?  Is this an overreach of prosecutorial power, encroaching on the legislature's lawmaking role?  Watch the clips below and discuss your reaction to this issue. 

Baltimore:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcoNAWK0VF8

Dallas:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEgV6AVc4Bs