BCLP partner authors op-ed for ‘NBC News’ on Crime Victims’ Rights

BCLP Partner Andrey Spektor authored an op-ed published Aug. 20 by NBC News addressing crime victims’ rights following the Justice Department’s decision to decline filing charges against Brad Pitt after Angelina Jolie’s account of a 2016 altercation.  After discussing the practical challenges faced by law enforcement, the Justice Manual, the relevant Supreme Court precedent, and the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, Andrey, a former federal prosecutor, observed that, “There is good reason why in all but the most egregious cases, the Justice Department and local law enforcement shouldn’t be facing legal challenges over decisions not to prosecute.” Andrey noted some recent deviations from the Department’s practice of not explaining its decisions.  The impact of public disclosure related to investigations, he explained, can mean “Public interest in some exceptional cases does merit an explanation about the decision not to pursue charges, but it’s important that such discretion is left up to the authorities.”