(The Center Square) – After calling a subpoena “illegal” and “undemocratic,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner filed a lawsuit against the US Legislative Committee. State that issued it.
Krasner’s response to the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order, filed Friday night, escalates the fight between the progressive DA and state Republicans who have blamed his leadership for the rise in the murder rate in Philadelphia.
Krasner is suing in his official capacity, seeking to quash the subpoena and bar the committee from further action.
In the lawsuit, Krasner argued that the district attorney is not subject to the oversight of the General Assembly. The filing calls the committee’s investigation “an inappropriate effort” that “dismisses legal rules and policy norms.”
“It is undisputed that District Attorney Krasner committed no unfathomable offense. House Republicans simply do not agree with his policy and they do not respect the choice made by Philadelphia voters who elected him or the fundamental principles of government,” the lawsuit argued.
“Herein lies the ultimate irony of this investigation and Rep. Lawrence’s subpoena to the DAO: ‘The Select Committee for the Restoration of Law and Order’ is engaged in an investigation that violates law and legal principles at all times,” Krasner wrote.
Republicans have firmly pushed back against the lawsuit.
“Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner clearly isn’t interested in discussing how his sweeping ‘law and order’ approach has contributed to record-breaking crime rates in Philadelphia,” Jason said. Gottesman, press secretary for Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, in a statement.
“This lawsuit of DA Krasner is the latest in a series of unfortunate actions aimed at avoiding transparency and accountability,” Gottesman continued. “Instead of embracing the values of good government and good law enforcement, he has resorted to delaying tactics to block oversight of his office at a time of historic increases in crime and violence in Philadelphia.”
“The ongoing mission of the select committee established by House Resolution 216 will not be deterred by the demagoguery and obstruction that some have chosen to pursue,” said Rep. John Lawrence, R-Chester/Lancaster, and Chairman. of the select committee, in a press release. . “No one is above the law. The House of Representatives has clear authority under the Pennsylvania Constitution, state law, case law, and House Standing Orders to pursue this legislative initiative. .”
Like the central square Previously reported, district attorneys across the country have come under scrutiny in recent months as some major cities have seen an increase in murders or serious crimes. San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin was recalled by voters in July.
Pennsylvania law does not allow recall elections, but a DA could be removed by impeachment. The special committee could recommend indictment, but the last successful indictment was in 1994, as WHY reported.