What is the California Racial Justice Act?

The California Racial Justice Act allows individuals to challenge unjust convictions and sentences, if they have evidence that the results were influenced by bias against the defendant’s race, ethnicity, or national origin. Since it’s enactment, QSIDE has partnered with multiple legal entities and CBOs like the Center for Policing Equity, Starting Over Inc., the Office of the State Public Defender, and the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office to support RJA claims, filings, and provide scientific evidence of racial bias.

Case Support

Our team applies rigorous statistical methodologies to help uncover disparities in sentencing that may indicate racial discrimination, in line with the standards set by the Racial Justice Act. Our organization has developed methodology to answer the following key criteria:

1. Whether the defendant received a longer or more severe sentence than similarly situated individuals convicted of the same offense.

2. Whether longer or more severe sentences for that offense have been imposed more frequently on individuals of the defendant’s race compared to others in the same county.

To date, we have collaborated with the Yolo County Public Defender’s Office on a case that resulted in the release of an incarcerated individual. Building on this success, QSIDE has continued its partnership with Yolo County and expanded its work to include the California Office of the State Public Defender and Starting Over Inc., providing expert data analysis and support for upcoming cases.

If you are in need of data science support for a current or upcoming RJA case, I invite you to reach out to our Director of Operations, Tyrone Bass (tyrone.bass@qsideinstitute.org), to discuss how we can assist.

Tools and Development

QSIDE is currently partnering with the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) to develop a public-facing data tool aimed at helping those currently incarcerated, as well as their friends and family, see if they may qualify for filing under the RJA. The tool will provide an initial analysis and generate a ready-to-use filing document that can be given to a lawyer or judge, making the first step towards rectifying personal and social inequity that much easier.