Center for Criminal Justice Policy and Reform Hosts DA Mulroy to Inaugurate Unlocking Justice Lecture Series
On February 18, William & Mary Law School’s Center for Criminal Justice Policy and Reform held the first event in its Unlocking Justice lecture series. Featured was a moderated conversation between Vice Dean Kami Chavis and Shelby County (Tenn.) District Attorney Steven Mulroy.
Chavis, a former federal prosecutor, is a nationally recognized expert in criminal justice reform, police accountability, and racial justice. Before joining William & Mary Law, she was a professor at Wake Forest University School of Law, where she directed the Criminal Justice Program.
DA Steven Mulroy, the first Democrat elected as Shelby County’s district attorney in more than 50 years, is a civil rights attorney, former federal prosecutor, and law professor at the University of Memphis.
During the discussion, Mulroy outlined his progressive approach to prosecution, emphasizing that crime rates do not necessarily correlate with incarceration rates and that the justice system must move away from punitive models toward rehabilitative and community-based alternatives.
Since taking office, he has implemented several reforms, including deprioritizing low-level marijuana possession cases, establishing a conviction integrity unit to address wrongful convictions, and advocating against excessive sentencing.
A key moment in the conversation focused on Mulroy’s handling of the high-profile police brutality case involving the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was brutally beaten by Memphis police officers in January 2023. Mulroy’s office moved swiftly to charge the officers involved with second-degree murder and other offenses, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and prosecutorial independence.
Mulroy stressed that while maintaining a working relationship with law enforcement is essential, prosecutors must not shy away from holding police officers accountable when misconduct occurs.
Mulroy also addressed the broader challenges that progressive prosecutors face, including political resistance, public scrutiny, and the risk of recall efforts from opponents of reform. He acknowledged that pushing for systemic change often meets institutional pushback but reaffirmed that his goal is to create a fairer, more just legal system.
Throughout the conversation, Chavis and Mulroy explored the ethical responsibilities of prosecutors and how they can use their discretion to advance justice rather than perpetuate systemic harm. Mulroy encouraged law students and young lawyers to engage in pro bono work, leverage their legal expertise to challenge injustices, and recognize their potential to drive meaningful policy change.
The event underscored the importance of rethinking traditional prosecutorial practices and embracing innovative approaches to criminal justice reform.
More than 35 students attended the event, engaging in a thoughtful discussion on the role of prosecutors in shaping a more equitable criminal justice system. The conversation provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of progressive prosecution, particularly in cases involving police misconduct and systemic reform.
The strong turnout and meaningful dialogue highlighted students’ interest in criminal legal reform and set a promising tone for the Unlocking Justice lecture series. As the first event in this new initiative, the discussion reinforced the Center for Criminal Justice Policy and Reform’s core pillar of reducing crime without increasing mass incarceration.