There are big changes in the judicial system in Ferguson, Missouri. The appointment of Municipal Court Judge Donald McCullin in June has led to sweeping changes in the court. Earlier this week, Judge McCullin ordered that all arrest warrants issued in Ferguson before Dec. 31, 2014 be withdrawn. This will affect as many as 10,000 warrants in the city.
This decision will mean that all those accused will be given new court dates and a chance to settle their cases through fines or community service. Fines for the very poor of Ferguson could be commuted. The decision comes almost five months after the US Justice Department issued a scathing report on the city’s court system and community policing of Blacks. The report noted that Blacks who were cited for minor offenses often had high fines, which led to arrests and jail time for those who failed to pay. Judge McCullin additionally stated that defendants whose drivers licenses were suspended in some cases by the Ferguson’s Director of Revenue would be reinstated. Judge McCullin stated, “These changes should continue the process of restoring confidence in the Court, alleviating fears of the consequences of appearing in Court, and giving many residents a fresh start.”
