Page 16 - LifelineInaugural

BENJAMIN CRUMP

THE ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE SPEAKS OUT
A full-fledged courtroom adorns the because I know the needs of the community,” Crump
by Charles Gee

vestibule of the law offices of Parks says. When my partner and I first started our practice,
and Crump. The accolades that grace we included criminal as one of our practices…and we
the wall, along with news clippings, were pretty good at it. But after awhile the laws would
all symbolize excellence, winning and change to make it so that it would almost be impossible
record-breaking settlements. This aura to win.”
will either calm your concerns about
your case or intimidate you if you’re the opposition. The “ WHEN YOU HAVE
law firm’s reputation was built in part by co-founder, THE LAWS SET UP THAT
Ben Crump. He and his law partner, Daryl Parks,
formed the firm in hopes of serving their community. YOU RECEIVE MORE
Fifteen years later, Crump believes that although much TIME IN A SENTENCE
has changed, much still remains the same in relation to FOR DEALING CRACK
the black community and the law.
COCAINE VERSUS
Although Crump is an advocate for the American judicial POWDER COCAINE, IT'S
system, as opposed to other countries, he is critical of it UNFAIR
how it deals with its citizens, namely African-American ”
men. His response to the judicial system’s treatment of His was remorseful when reflecting on how the law
young black men is a disappointing head shake and a is discriminatory toward black men. While his office
discussion about his disgust of the tragic system. phone rings continually, he ponders the circumstances
“It seems that it (judicial system) is solely focused on he’s seen fellow black men face in court. He asks
punishment and having a lifelong affect on their (Black his secretary to take the call; the cause he speaks of
men’s) role in society,” Crump says, “when I believe that now takes precedence. The powerful attorney, who
the system should be more focused on rehabilitation.” has represented clients in high profile national cases
On this Friday afternoon, all of the clients’ appointments and who has stood confidently in front of the national
have been fulfilled and half of the firm has already media, doesn’t seem as mighty when speaking of the
headed home for the weekend, but not Crump. He laws that target black men as criminals. He continues
sits across the meeting table in his office, his tie has to shake his head in disgust as he explains different
been loosened and his voice commands authority as scenarios.
he speaks out on issues he feels are plaguing the
disadvantaged. “For example, when you have the laws set up that
you receive more time in a sentence for dealing crack
“I’m not proud to say that I’m no longer a criminal lawyer cocaine versus powder cocaine, it’s unfair. If you look

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