Held for Three Years on Riker's Island Without a Trial

The Leonard Lopate Show | Oct 31, 2014

Jennifer Gonnerman, a contributor to The New Yorker, investigates the case of Kalief Browder, who spent three years in Rikers Island’s Robert N. Davoren Center—more than a year and a half of that time in solitary confinement—without ever standing trial. His bail was set at $3,000, and his family couldn't afford to pay it. New York State’s “ready rule” stipulates that all felony cases, except homicides, must be ready for trial within six months of charges being ﬁled, or else the charges can be dismissed. In practice, however, this time limit is subject to technicalities, and Browder—who maintained his innocence, and therefore refused several plea deals—had roughly 30 court dates. Gonnerman’s article, “Before the Law,” appeared in the October 6 issue of The New Yorker.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

Why single domestic violence survivors can't get shelter in NYC despite empty beds

More than half the callers to the city’s domestic violence hotline are single people, but few are getting shelter.

Gothamist |

The History Wars and America at 250, with the Historian Jill Lepore

Three prominent historians discuss a national milestone arriving in the midst of a politically charged conflict over how Americans see the past. It’s a “goat rodeo,” Lepore says.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

What Péter Magyar's Election in Hungary Says About 'Strongmen' Today

Andrew Marantz talks about the new prime minister of Hungary, and OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Mayor Mamdani says he's balanced NYC's budget

WNYC News |

How they handle crises in Brownsville, often without police

At least twice a year, nonprofit workers from the neighborhood spend a week calming disputes and responding to most 311 and 911 calls on certain blocks in the neighborhood.