Now showing
Justice and the Poor (1967-10-16)
About this film
For the poor, "justice" too often means arbitrary, even brutal, treatment by the police; long periods of detention as a result of an inequitable bail system; and lawyers who are less qualified or less involved than those who represent wealthy clients. These are the findings of NET's "Justice and the Poor," an hour-long report on inequities - and reforms - in the justice system. The first portion of the program is devoted to the issue that has resounded through the summer riots - police brutality. In Washington, DC, a Negro boy recreates the killing of a friend, Clarence Booker, after a policeman had apprehended him in the act of stealing cookies. In a New York City youth house, other boys describe their experience with the police. The behavior of police during the Newark riots is shown in a film sequence, following which the police commissioner of Oakland, California, argues that there has "not been one proven case of police brutality," and, quite the contrary, in Oakland, one out of three police officers has been assaulted in the line of duty. In Palo Alto, California, NET visits a meeting at which the police and youths discuss attitudes and conditions. Lt. Moran of the Palo Alto…
Directors & creators
National Educational Television and Radio Center
Subjects
poverty and law, police brutality, bail system, pretrial detention, public defenders, Newark riots 1967, Oakland police, criminal justice reform, legal aid, War on Poverty, National Educational Television, NET Journal, 1967 civil unrest, race and justice, Alvin Perlmutter
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