In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

California Democrats think the top priority of the criminal justice system should be to keep criminals out of jail, rather than to secure justice for victims or maintain public safety. They have crafted the state’s criminal justice system to fit that purpose, from undermining existing laws to weakening sentencing laws.