DOJ Investigates Hennepin County Attorney's Race-Based Plea Deal Policy

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office after a new policy was introduced requiring prosecutors to consider a defendant’s race when negotiating plea deals. The policy, implemented by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, instructs prosecutors to factor in racial identity and age as part of their overall analysis, aiming to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Critics argue that the directive could be unconstitutional and may undermine equal treatment under the law. The DOJ’s investigation will focus on whether the office is engaging in a pattern or practice of depriving individuals of rights protected by the Constitution by considering race in prosecutorial decisions. Officials emphasized that no conclusions have yet been reached regarding the legality of the policy, and a comprehensive review of all relevant practices is underway.