Inquiry into racially biased sentences of African American defendants by former,
disgraced Judge, Lena Levario, of Dallas County Texas
In a groundbreaking move, civil rights activists and legal experts have called for an inquisition
into all African American drug sentences handed down in Lena Levario's 204th district court.
The move comes after it was revealed that Judge Levario has a documented history of racial
bias against African American defendants.
The activists have argued that the sentences handed down to African American defendants in
Judge Levario's court are tainted, like fruits of a poisonous tree, and must be reviewed to
ensure that justice has been served.
"Judge Levario's history of racial bias against African American defendants cannot be ignored.
Her actions have had a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and their
families," said civil rights activist, Maria Rodriguez. "We need to review every case that has
come before her to ensure that justice has been served and that no one has been unfairly
punished."
The call for an inquisition comes after a recent investigation by the Texas Tribune found that
Judge Levario had a history of issuing harsher sentences to African American defendants
compared to their white counterparts. The investigation revealed that African American
defendants were more likely to receive longer prison sentences and less likely to receive
probation or community service in Judge Levario's court.
The activists argue that this is a clear example of systemic racism within the criminal justice
system and that action must be taken to address it.
"We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the racial disparities within our criminal justice
system. We must take action to ensure that every defendant is treated fairly and that justice is
truly blind," said civil rights lawyer, John Williams.
The call for an inquisition has been supported by a number of civil rights organizations, including
the NAACP, the ACLU, and Black Lives Matter. The activists are calling on the Texas State Bar
to launch an investigation into Judge Levario's conduct and to review all African American drug
sentences handed down in her court.
The inquisition is expected to be a lengthy process, but the activists are hopeful that it will lead
to meaningful change within the criminal justice system.
"We cannot change the past, but we can work towards a better future. By reviewing these
sentences and addressing the systemic racism within our criminal justice system, we can begin
to build a more just and equitable society for all," said Rodriguez.