California Racial Justice Act
@californiarja.bsky.social
This account is dedicated to advancing awareness, understanding, and application of the California Racial Justice Act by tracking how courts across the state interpret and apply this transformative law.
Stay Updated: https://californiarja.wordpress.com/
Stay Updated: https://californiarja.wordpress.com/
📌 Practice Note for RJA Litigators
This case highlights:
✅ Importance of cultural stereotyping claims under § 745(a)(1) & (2)
✅ Juror exclusion scrutiny
✅ Potential RJA retroactivity in capital habeas contexts
More info & full text ⬇️
#DueProcess #DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #DeathPenalty #PC745
This case highlights:
✅ Importance of cultural stereotyping claims under § 745(a)(1) & (2)
✅ Juror exclusion scrutiny
✅ Potential RJA retroactivity in capital habeas contexts
More info & full text ⬇️
#DueProcess #DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #DeathPenalty #PC745
California's Longest-Serving Death Row Man Alleges Racial Bias in Sentencing - Davis Vanguard
Douglas "Chief" Stankewitz, California's longest-serving individual on death row, is seeking relief under the California Racial Justice Act, arguing that racial bias tainted his conviction and sentenc...
davisvanguard.org
November 3, 2025 at 12:46 AM
📌 Practice Note for RJA Litigators
This case highlights:
✅ Importance of cultural stereotyping claims under § 745(a)(1) & (2)
✅ Juror exclusion scrutiny
✅ Potential RJA retroactivity in capital habeas contexts
More info & full text ⬇️
#DueProcess #DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #DeathPenalty #PC745
This case highlights:
✅ Importance of cultural stereotyping claims under § 745(a)(1) & (2)
✅ Juror exclusion scrutiny
✅ Potential RJA retroactivity in capital habeas contexts
More info & full text ⬇️
#DueProcess #DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #DeathPenalty #PC745
Defense Rebuttal
Stankewitz’s team pushes back:
➡️ RJA was designed precisely to revisit these injustices
➡️ Cultural context ≠ license to stereotype
➡️ RJA does not require race to be the sole factor
More info & full text below
#DueProcess #DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Stankewitz’s team pushes back:
➡️ RJA was designed precisely to revisit these injustices
➡️ Cultural context ≠ license to stereotype
➡️ RJA does not require race to be the sole factor
More info & full text below
#DueProcess #DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
California's Longest-Serving Death Row Man Alleges Racial Bias in Sentencing - Davis Vanguard
Douglas "Chief" Stankewitz, California's longest-serving individual on death row, is seeking relief under the California Racial Justice Act, arguing that racial bias tainted his conviction and sentenc...
davisvanguard.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Defense Rebuttal
Stankewitz’s team pushes back:
➡️ RJA was designed precisely to revisit these injustices
➡️ Cultural context ≠ license to stereotype
➡️ RJA does not require race to be the sole factor
More info & full text below
#DueProcess #DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Stankewitz’s team pushes back:
➡️ RJA was designed precisely to revisit these injustices
➡️ Cultural context ≠ license to stereotype
➡️ RJA does not require race to be the sole factor
More info & full text below
#DueProcess #DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
⚖️ Prosecutorial Reply
Fresno County DA’s office opposes the RJA motion:
🔹 Argues no evidence of bias
🔹 Claims defense “opened the door” to cultural testimony
🔹 Asserts motion is untimely
More info & full text below
Visit the CA RJA Hub in bio
#DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #RJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Fresno County DA’s office opposes the RJA motion:
🔹 Argues no evidence of bias
🔹 Claims defense “opened the door” to cultural testimony
🔹 Asserts motion is untimely
More info & full text below
Visit the CA RJA Hub in bio
#DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #RJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
California's Longest-Serving Death Row Man Alleges Racial Bias in Sentencing - Davis Vanguard
Douglas "Chief" Stankewitz, California's longest-serving individual on death row, is seeking relief under the California Racial Justice Act, arguing that racial bias tainted his conviction and sentenc...
davisvanguard.org
October 27, 2025 at 6:01 PM
⚖️ Prosecutorial Reply
Fresno County DA’s office opposes the RJA motion:
🔹 Argues no evidence of bias
🔹 Claims defense “opened the door” to cultural testimony
🔹 Asserts motion is untimely
More info & full text below
Visit the CA RJA Hub in bio
#DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #RJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Fresno County DA’s office opposes the RJA motion:
🔹 Argues no evidence of bias
🔹 Claims defense “opened the door” to cultural testimony
🔹 Asserts motion is untimely
More info & full text below
Visit the CA RJA Hub in bio
#DeathRow #RacialJusticeAct #RJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
🚨 Batson/Wheeler Claim
Stankewitz’s team challenges the removal of the only Native juror, arguing it was racially motivated.
Prosecutors say she knew his family—a neutral reason for her association.
Defense: The strike still raises serious constitutional concerns.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA
Stankewitz’s team challenges the removal of the only Native juror, arguing it was racially motivated.
Prosecutors say she knew his family—a neutral reason for her association.
Defense: The strike still raises serious constitutional concerns.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA
California's Longest-Serving Death Row Man Alleges Racial Bias in Sentencing - Davis Vanguard
Douglas "Chief" Stankewitz, California's longest-serving individual on death row, is seeking relief under the California Racial Justice Act, arguing that racial bias tainted his conviction and sentenc...
davisvanguard.org
October 26, 2025 at 9:14 PM
🚨 Batson/Wheeler Claim
Stankewitz’s team challenges the removal of the only Native juror, arguing it was racially motivated.
Prosecutors say she knew his family—a neutral reason for her association.
Defense: The strike still raises serious constitutional concerns.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA
Stankewitz’s team challenges the removal of the only Native juror, arguing it was racially motivated.
Prosecutors say she knew his family—a neutral reason for her association.
Defense: The strike still raises serious constitutional concerns.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA
“The prosecution elicited racially charged testimony… and urged jurors to impose death because of Mr. Stankewitz’s background,” the motion states.
Prosecutors linked cultural identity with future dangerousness.
More info below ⬇️
#RJA #EqualProtection #SystemicRacism #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Prosecutors linked cultural identity with future dangerousness.
More info below ⬇️
#RJA #EqualProtection #SystemicRacism #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
California's Longest-Serving Death Row Man Alleges Racial Bias in Sentencing - Davis Vanguard
Douglas "Chief" Stankewitz, California's longest-serving individual on death row, is seeking relief under the California Racial Justice Act, arguing that racial bias tainted his conviction and sentenc...
davisvanguard.org
October 25, 2025 at 6:18 PM
“The prosecution elicited racially charged testimony… and urged jurors to impose death because of Mr. Stankewitz’s background,” the motion states.
Prosecutors linked cultural identity with future dangerousness.
More info below ⬇️
#RJA #EqualProtection #SystemicRacism #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Prosecutors linked cultural identity with future dangerousness.
More info below ⬇️
#RJA #EqualProtection #SystemicRacism #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Case Background
Stankewitz, of Native American heritage, was sentenced to death after a 1978 Fresno County trial. In his recent § 745 motion, he alleges the prosecution relied on racial stereotypes and removed the only Native juror.
#DeathRow #RJA #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
More info & full text⬇️
Stankewitz, of Native American heritage, was sentenced to death after a 1978 Fresno County trial. In his recent § 745 motion, he alleges the prosecution relied on racial stereotypes and removed the only Native juror.
#DeathRow #RJA #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
More info & full text⬇️
California's Longest-Serving Death Row Man Alleges Racial Bias in Sentencing - Davis Vanguard
Douglas "Chief" Stankewitz, California's longest-serving individual on death row, is seeking relief under the California Racial Justice Act, arguing that racial bias tainted his conviction and sentenc...
davisvanguard.org
October 18, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Case Background
Stankewitz, of Native American heritage, was sentenced to death after a 1978 Fresno County trial. In his recent § 745 motion, he alleges the prosecution relied on racial stereotypes and removed the only Native juror.
#DeathRow #RJA #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
More info & full text⬇️
Stankewitz, of Native American heritage, was sentenced to death after a 1978 Fresno County trial. In his recent § 745 motion, he alleges the prosecution relied on racial stereotypes and removed the only Native juror.
#DeathRow #RJA #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
More info & full text⬇️
California’s Longest-Serving Death Row Prisoner Brings RJA Challenge
Douglas “Chief” Stankewitz, incarcerated since 1978, has filed for relief under California’s Racial Justice Act—arguing that racial bias shaped his capital conviction and sentence.
#RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Douglas “Chief” Stankewitz, incarcerated since 1978, has filed for relief under California’s Racial Justice Act—arguing that racial bias shaped his capital conviction and sentence.
#RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
California's Longest-Serving Death Row Man Alleges Racial Bias in Sentencing - Davis Vanguard
Douglas "Chief" Stankewitz, California's longest-serving individual on death row, is seeking relief under the California Racial Justice Act, arguing that racial bias tainted his conviction and sentenc...
davisvanguard.org
October 18, 2025 at 12:46 AM
California’s Longest-Serving Death Row Prisoner Brings RJA Challenge
Douglas “Chief” Stankewitz, incarcerated since 1978, has filed for relief under California’s Racial Justice Act—arguing that racial bias shaped his capital conviction and sentence.
#RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Douglas “Chief” Stankewitz, incarcerated since 1978, has filed for relief under California’s Racial Justice Act—arguing that racial bias shaped his capital conviction and sentence.
#RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #DeathPenalty #PC745
Bottom Line: CJEO 2025-028 does not force former DAs off every RJA case—but it affirms the right to transparency and fairness.
It is a tool for both litigators and judges to navigate complex procedural and ethical issues under California’s Racial Justice Act.
More info & full text ⬇️ #CaliforniaRJA
It is a tool for both litigators and judges to navigate complex procedural and ethical issues under California’s Racial Justice Act.
More info & full text ⬇️ #CaliforniaRJA
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
October 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Bottom Line: CJEO 2025-028 does not force former DAs off every RJA case—but it affirms the right to transparency and fairness.
It is a tool for both litigators and judges to navigate complex procedural and ethical issues under California’s Racial Justice Act.
More info & full text ⬇️ #CaliforniaRJA
It is a tool for both litigators and judges to navigate complex procedural and ethical issues under California’s Racial Justice Act.
More info & full text ⬇️ #CaliforniaRJA
📌Practice Tip for RJA Litigators:
If a former DA hears your RJA motion, consider:
✅ Asking for on-record disclosure of any prior involvement with your client
✅ Citing CJEO 2025-028 to frame your disqualification motion
More info & full text ⬇️
#RJA #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #JudicialEthics
If a former DA hears your RJA motion, consider:
✅ Asking for on-record disclosure of any prior involvement with your client
✅ Citing CJEO 2025-028 to frame your disqualification motion
More info & full text ⬇️
#RJA #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #JudicialEthics
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
October 14, 2025 at 7:38 PM
📌Practice Tip for RJA Litigators:
If a former DA hears your RJA motion, consider:
✅ Asking for on-record disclosure of any prior involvement with your client
✅ Citing CJEO 2025-028 to frame your disqualification motion
More info & full text ⬇️
#RJA #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #JudicialEthics
If a former DA hears your RJA motion, consider:
✅ Asking for on-record disclosure of any prior involvement with your client
✅ Citing CJEO 2025-028 to frame your disqualification motion
More info & full text ⬇️
#RJA #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #JudicialEthics
👥 About CJEO
CJEO is an independent ethics advisory committee appointed by the CA Supreme Court.
Its formal opinions are nonbinding but widely respected and followed.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CJEO2025_028 #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #JudicialEthics
CJEO is an independent ethics advisory committee appointed by the CA Supreme Court.
Its formal opinions are nonbinding but widely respected and followed.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CJEO2025_028 #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #JudicialEthics
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
October 9, 2025 at 8:49 PM
👥 About CJEO
CJEO is an independent ethics advisory committee appointed by the CA Supreme Court.
Its formal opinions are nonbinding but widely respected and followed.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CJEO2025_028 #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #JudicialEthics
CJEO is an independent ethics advisory committee appointed by the CA Supreme Court.
Its formal opinions are nonbinding but widely respected and followed.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CJEO2025_028 #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct #CARJA #JudicialEthics
🗣️ Judge Samantha Jessner (CJEO):
“This opinion provides timely and practical guidance for judges navigating the complexities of RJA claims.”
The goal is to protect public confidence in the judiciary without blanket exclusions.
More info below ⬇️
#JudicialImpartiality #PC745 #CARJA #JudicialEthics
“This opinion provides timely and practical guidance for judges navigating the complexities of RJA claims.”
The goal is to protect public confidence in the judiciary without blanket exclusions.
More info below ⬇️
#JudicialImpartiality #PC745 #CARJA #JudicialEthics
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
October 5, 2025 at 7:25 PM
🗣️ Judge Samantha Jessner (CJEO):
“This opinion provides timely and practical guidance for judges navigating the complexities of RJA claims.”
The goal is to protect public confidence in the judiciary without blanket exclusions.
More info below ⬇️
#JudicialImpartiality #PC745 #CARJA #JudicialEthics
“This opinion provides timely and practical guidance for judges navigating the complexities of RJA claims.”
The goal is to protect public confidence in the judiciary without blanket exclusions.
More info below ⬇️
#JudicialImpartiality #PC745 #CARJA #JudicialEthics
📚Context
The opinion addresses growing concerns about judicial impartiality in RJA litigation, particularly in counties where former prosecutors now serve on the bench.
CJEO affirms that prior prosecutorial experience alone does not equal automatic disqualification.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA
The opinion addresses growing concerns about judicial impartiality in RJA litigation, particularly in counties where former prosecutors now serve on the bench.
CJEO affirms that prior prosecutorial experience alone does not equal automatic disqualification.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
September 29, 2025 at 3:54 PM
📚Context
The opinion addresses growing concerns about judicial impartiality in RJA litigation, particularly in counties where former prosecutors now serve on the bench.
CJEO affirms that prior prosecutorial experience alone does not equal automatic disqualification.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA
The opinion addresses growing concerns about judicial impartiality in RJA litigation, particularly in counties where former prosecutors now serve on the bench.
CJEO affirms that prior prosecutorial experience alone does not equal automatic disqualification.
More info & full text ⬇️
#CARJA
📢 Disclosure is Key
CJEO: Judges who choose not to disqualify must disclose on the record any facts “reasonably relevant” to that determination.
That includes the judge’s own reasoning for staying on the case.
More info & full text ⬇️
#Transparency #RacialJusticeAct #PC745 #CARJA #JudicialEthics
CJEO: Judges who choose not to disqualify must disclose on the record any facts “reasonably relevant” to that determination.
That includes the judge’s own reasoning for staying on the case.
More info & full text ⬇️
#Transparency #RacialJusticeAct #PC745 #CARJA #JudicialEthics
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
September 26, 2025 at 5:17 PM
📢 Disclosure is Key
CJEO: Judges who choose not to disqualify must disclose on the record any facts “reasonably relevant” to that determination.
That includes the judge’s own reasoning for staying on the case.
More info & full text ⬇️
#Transparency #RacialJusticeAct #PC745 #CARJA #JudicialEthics
CJEO: Judges who choose not to disqualify must disclose on the record any facts “reasonably relevant” to that determination.
That includes the judge’s own reasoning for staying on the case.
More info & full text ⬇️
#Transparency #RacialJusticeAct #PC745 #CARJA #JudicialEthics
⚖️ When Must a Judge Recuse?
➡️ If the judge prosecuted the defendant in the same or related case
➡️ If the judge’s former role creates a reasonable doubt about impartiality
➡️ Even if not disqualified, mandatory disclosure applies
More info & full text ⬇️
#CAJudiciary #RJA #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct
➡️ If the judge prosecuted the defendant in the same or related case
➡️ If the judge’s former role creates a reasonable doubt about impartiality
➡️ Even if not disqualified, mandatory disclosure applies
More info & full text ⬇️
#CAJudiciary #RJA #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
September 24, 2025 at 1:18 AM
⚖️ When Must a Judge Recuse?
➡️ If the judge prosecuted the defendant in the same or related case
➡️ If the judge’s former role creates a reasonable doubt about impartiality
➡️ Even if not disqualified, mandatory disclosure applies
More info & full text ⬇️
#CAJudiciary #RJA #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct
➡️ If the judge prosecuted the defendant in the same or related case
➡️ If the judge’s former role creates a reasonable doubt about impartiality
➡️ Even if not disqualified, mandatory disclosure applies
More info & full text ⬇️
#CAJudiciary #RJA #PC745 #RacialJusticeAct
🧑⚖️ Core Holding:
A judge is not automatically disqualified from hearing an RJA discovery motion just because they previously served as a prosecutor in other cases that may now be subject to RJA claims.
👇 Learn more below 👇
#CARJA #JudicialEthics #PC745 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
A judge is not automatically disqualified from hearing an RJA discovery motion just because they previously served as a prosecutor in other cases that may now be subject to RJA claims.
👇 Learn more below 👇
#CARJA #JudicialEthics #PC745 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
September 21, 2025 at 6:09 PM
🧑⚖️ Core Holding:
A judge is not automatically disqualified from hearing an RJA discovery motion just because they previously served as a prosecutor in other cases that may now be subject to RJA claims.
👇 Learn more below 👇
#CARJA #JudicialEthics #PC745 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
A judge is not automatically disqualified from hearing an RJA discovery motion just because they previously served as a prosecutor in other cases that may now be subject to RJA claims.
👇 Learn more below 👇
#CARJA #JudicialEthics #PC745 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
Important ethics update for RJA practitioners, judges, & advocates:
The CA Supreme Court’s Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions just issued CJEO Formal Opinion 2025-028, clarifying disqualification & disclosure rules under the Racial Justice Act (PC § 745).
👇 Learn More Below
#PC745 #CARJA #RJA
The CA Supreme Court’s Committee on Judicial Ethics Opinions just issued CJEO Formal Opinion 2025-028, clarifying disqualification & disclosure rules under the Racial Justice Act (PC § 745).
👇 Learn More Below
#PC745 #CARJA #RJA
California Ethics Committee Issues Opinion on Disqualification and Disclosure Requirements under the Racial Justice Act
Committee provides guidance for judges with prior experience as prosecutors handling discovery motions under the Racial Justice Act.
newsroom.courts.ca.gov
September 19, 2025 at 3:32 PM
📌 Lashon answers:
❓ Can defendants raise § 745(a)(2) claims for the first time on appeal?
✅ Only if forfeiture exceptions apply.
❓ Does AB 1118 eliminate preservation?
❌ No.
Full case breakdown: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #CARJA
❓ Can defendants raise § 745(a)(2) claims for the first time on appeal?
✅ Only if forfeiture exceptions apply.
❓ Does AB 1118 eliminate preservation?
❌ No.
Full case breakdown: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #CARJA
📄People v. Lashon
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three Case No.: A163074 Opinion Date: January 8, 2024 Citation: 2024 WL 95553 Status: Published Posture: Appeal from criminal c…
californiarja.wordpress.com
September 2, 2025 at 5:47 PM
📌 Lashon answers:
❓ Can defendants raise § 745(a)(2) claims for the first time on appeal?
✅ Only if forfeiture exceptions apply.
❓ Does AB 1118 eliminate preservation?
❌ No.
Full case breakdown: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #CARJA
❓ Can defendants raise § 745(a)(2) claims for the first time on appeal?
✅ Only if forfeiture exceptions apply.
❓ Does AB 1118 eliminate preservation?
❌ No.
Full case breakdown: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #CARJA
✏️ Strategic lessons from Lashon:
File early RJA motions to preserve claims
Use post-verdict motions when possible
Be specific in stay/remand requests
Keep habeas in mind
Full analysis: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #CAcourts #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #PC745 #AB1118 #AB256
File early RJA motions to preserve claims
Use post-verdict motions when possible
Be specific in stay/remand requests
Keep habeas in mind
Full analysis: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #CAcourts #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #PC745 #AB1118 #AB256
📄People v. Lashon
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three Case No.: A163074 Opinion Date: January 8, 2024 Citation: 2024 WL 95553 Status: Published Posture: Appeal from criminal c…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 28, 2025 at 10:16 PM
✏️ Strategic lessons from Lashon:
File early RJA motions to preserve claims
Use post-verdict motions when possible
Be specific in stay/remand requests
Keep habeas in mind
Full analysis: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #CAcourts #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #PC745 #AB1118 #AB256
File early RJA motions to preserve claims
Use post-verdict motions when possible
Be specific in stay/remand requests
Keep habeas in mind
Full analysis: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #CAcourts #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #PC745 #AB1118 #AB256
“Even if counsel did not want to antagonize the trial judge during trial, a § 745 motion could have been filed immediately after sentencing rationale.” – People v. Lashon
👉 Full write-up: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #PC745 #AB1118 #AB256
👉 Full write-up: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #PC745 #AB1118 #AB256
📄People v. Lashon
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three Case No.: A163074 Opinion Date: January 8, 2024 Citation: 2024 WL 95553 Status: Published Posture: Appeal from criminal c…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 28, 2025 at 5:25 PM
“Even if counsel did not want to antagonize the trial judge during trial, a § 745 motion could have been filed immediately after sentencing rationale.” – People v. Lashon
👉 Full write-up: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #PC745 #AB1118 #AB256
👉 Full write-up: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #PC745 #AB1118 #AB256
Habeas Path
🧰Lashon shows that forfeited RJA claims may still survive via habeas corpus petitions.
Appellate relief denied, but habeas remains a safety net.
Read the full breakdown: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#Postconviction #CARJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
🧰Lashon shows that forfeited RJA claims may still survive via habeas corpus petitions.
Appellate relief denied, but habeas remains a safety net.
Read the full breakdown: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#Postconviction #CARJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
📄People v. Lashon
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three Case No.: A163074 Opinion Date: January 8, 2024 Citation: 2024 WL 95553 Status: Published Posture: Appeal from criminal c…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 27, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Habeas Path
🧰Lashon shows that forfeited RJA claims may still survive via habeas corpus petitions.
Appellate relief denied, but habeas remains a safety net.
Read the full breakdown: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#Postconviction #CARJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
🧰Lashon shows that forfeited RJA claims may still survive via habeas corpus petitions.
Appellate relief denied, but habeas remains a safety net.
Read the full breakdown: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#Postconviction #CARJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
💡Practitioner Practice Tip: If you see judicial bias at trial, file a § 745 motion immediately or post-verdict. In Lashon, failure to object meant forfeiture—despite AB 1118.
More lessons: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#TrialTips #CARJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
More lessons: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#TrialTips #CARJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
📄People v. Lashon
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three Case No.: A163074 Opinion Date: January 8, 2024 Citation: 2024 WL 95553 Status: Published Posture: Appeal from criminal c…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 26, 2025 at 8:36 PM
💡Practitioner Practice Tip: If you see judicial bias at trial, file a § 745 motion immediately or post-verdict. In Lashon, failure to object meant forfeiture—despite AB 1118.
More lessons: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#TrialTips #CARJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
More lessons: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#TrialTips #CARJA #PC745 #AB1118 #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #RJA
AB 1118 Clarified
⚖️ Lashon is the first appellate case post–AB 1118 clarifying direct appeal under § 745.
Key lesson: Expanded appellate review ≠ free pass.
Preservation still matters.
Details + analysis: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #AppellatePractice #AB1118 #PC745
⚖️ Lashon is the first appellate case post–AB 1118 clarifying direct appeal under § 745.
Key lesson: Expanded appellate review ≠ free pass.
Preservation still matters.
Details + analysis: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #AppellatePractice #AB1118 #PC745
📄People v. Lashon
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three Case No.: A163074 Opinion Date: January 8, 2024 Citation: 2024 WL 95553 Status: Published Posture: Appeal from criminal c…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
AB 1118 Clarified
⚖️ Lashon is the first appellate case post–AB 1118 clarifying direct appeal under § 745.
Key lesson: Expanded appellate review ≠ free pass.
Preservation still matters.
Details + analysis: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #AppellatePractice #AB1118 #PC745
⚖️ Lashon is the first appellate case post–AB 1118 clarifying direct appeal under § 745.
Key lesson: Expanded appellate review ≠ free pass.
Preservation still matters.
Details + analysis: californiarja.wordpress.com/2025/08/24/p...
#RJA #AppellatePractice #AB1118 #PC745
📄 Case Spotlight: People v. Lashon (1st Dist. Ct. App., Div. 3)
Court affirms conviction, holding that RJA claims raised for the first time on appeal are forfeited absent an exception—even post–AB 1118.
Full write-up ⬇️Read more @ the CA RJA Resource Hub
#CARJA #RJA #CAcourts #AB1118 #AB256 #PC745
Court affirms conviction, holding that RJA claims raised for the first time on appeal are forfeited absent an exception—even post–AB 1118.
Full write-up ⬇️Read more @ the CA RJA Resource Hub
#CARJA #RJA #CAcourts #AB1118 #AB256 #PC745
📄People v. Lashon
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Three Case No.: A163074 Opinion Date: January 8, 2024 Citation: 2024 WL 95553 Status: Published Posture: Appeal from criminal c…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 24, 2025 at 10:45 PM
“The AG concedes that calling Wagstaff a ‘strong young buck’ was inappropriate. We do not disagree, but the issue was not preserved.” – People v. Wagstaff
👉 Full case analysis ⬇️
Follow more RJA updates @ californiarja.wordpress.com
#RJA #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #AB256
👉 Full case analysis ⬇️
Follow more RJA updates @ californiarja.wordpress.com
#RJA #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #AB256
📄 People v. Wagstaff
Court: California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District Case No.: H050597 Opinion Date: June 12, 2025 Published: No Status: Review Denied Full Opinion: Link to full opinion (PDF) Overview: In P…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 22, 2025 at 7:18 PM
“The AG concedes that calling Wagstaff a ‘strong young buck’ was inappropriate. We do not disagree, but the issue was not preserved.” – People v. Wagstaff
👉 Full case analysis ⬇️
Follow more RJA updates @ californiarja.wordpress.com
#RJA #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #AB256
👉 Full case analysis ⬇️
Follow more RJA updates @ californiarja.wordpress.com
#RJA #CaliforniaRacialJusticeAct #AB256
📸 Big Picture
✏️ People v. Wagstaff (2025) reminds us:
Racially coded judicial remarks may be conceded as bias but still dismissed if not objected to.
§ 231.7 strikes require a full record.
Appellate courts remain reluctant to remand absent preservation.
Read the full write-up below⬇️
#CaRJA #RJA
✏️ People v. Wagstaff (2025) reminds us:
Racially coded judicial remarks may be conceded as bias but still dismissed if not objected to.
§ 231.7 strikes require a full record.
Appellate courts remain reluctant to remand absent preservation.
Read the full write-up below⬇️
#CaRJA #RJA
📄 People v. Wagstaff
Court: California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District Case No.: H050597 Opinion Date: June 12, 2025 Published: No Status: Review Denied Full Opinion: Link to full opinion (PDF) Overview: In P…
californiarja.wordpress.com
August 22, 2025 at 12:52 AM