Criminal Justice
More Suits Target Gangs
Cities are fighting gangs with lawsuits, raising the ire of critics who say minority youths are being singled out.
The latest cities to file suit include Fort Worth and San Francisco, the Associated Press reports. The complaints often seek injunctions that bar specific youths or targeted gangs from congregating, displaying gang signs, committing crimes and engaging in other activities in designated areas.
Los Angeles has obtained 33 injunctions against 50 gangs.
Peter Bibring, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said the injunctions can interfere with citizens discussing issues rather than gang members committing crimes.
