Mary Moriarty’s rise as Minneapolis’s top prosecutor has ignited a firestorm, with critics accusing her of pushing dangerous reforms that threaten the integrity of the legal system.
At a Glance
- Mary Moriarty prioritizes police misconduct and public safety reforms
- AG Keith Ellison seized a murder case over concerns of leniency
- Charging a state trooper with murder sparked bipartisan outrage
- New plea policy factoring in race and age fuels constitutional alarm
Moriarty’s Approach: Reform or Overreach?
After the death of George Floyd, Mary Moriarty took the helm as Hennepin County’s chief prosecutor, vowing to transform the system. Focused on exposing police misconduct and revamping public safety, her tenure has been marked by dramatic shifts and sharp controversy. As reported by the New York Times, her aggressive approach has polarized Minneapolis, with critics accusing her of endangering public trust in the justice system.
Moriarty’s office drew national attention when Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison intervened to take over a juvenile murder case, citing concern over a plea deal considered excessively lenient. Adding to the embarrassment, two judges have rejected plea agreements negotiated by her team, signaling judicial skepticism about her methods.
Mounting Criticism from Both Sides
The controversy peaked when Moriarty charged a Minnesota state trooper with murder after a traffic stop shooting. According to the New York Times, the decision triggered bipartisan outrage, including public criticism from Democratic Governor Tim Walz and several members of Congress.
“She brought back bipartisanship to Minnesota in that people on both the left and the right agree she’s doing a terrible job,” said defense attorney Chris Madel, slamming Moriarty’s leadership style.
Moriarty’s inconsistent handling of vandalism cases has also raised eyebrows. In one incident, her office offered leniency to a government employee who allegedly targeted Teslas, while aggressively pursuing felony charges in other, less publicized cases of property damage.
A New Policy Sparks Constitutional Debate
The most explosive move yet came with the release of Moriarty’s “Negotiations Policy for Cases Involving Adult Defendants,” which encourages factoring a defendant’s racial identity and age into plea negotiations. According to RedState, critics say the policy blurs constitutional lines and may not withstand judicial scrutiny.
University of Minnesota law professor Jill Hasday warned that the policy’s contradictory language—urging prosecutors not to consider race officially while still encouraging it behind the scenes—almost guarantees it will be struck down.
“It both says, ‘Don’t take race into account,’… but it simultaneously says this is something you should consider,” Hasday said, noting the severe constitutional risks.
With mounting public dissatisfaction and possible federal oversight looming, Mary Moriarty’s crusade for reform is being increasingly viewed as a reckless gamble—one that may soon have dramatic consequences for both her office and Minneapolis itself.
