Sen Cory Booker tells James Corden Justice in Policing Act will enable people to 'look into misuse of force'
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. is only one of the many Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate working towards new federal legislation to combat police misconduct. On his appearance tonight on 'The Late Late Show with James Corden', the US senator spoke about the Justice in Policing Act 2020, which intends to increase accountability, data collection, training, and transparency. The bill also looks to fully ban practices like chokeholds, racial and religious profiling, "no knock" warrants.
He told Corden that if the bill is implemented, it will eliminate qualified immunity and change the way that that the police is held accountable in courts. "If someone is recklessly disregarding human life, we can now hold you responsible," he said, adding, "It creates transparency. Whether you are a street activist or you are work for the ACLU or are a legislator, you can now look into the misuse of force in the records of misconduct."
Speaking on the new bill, Booker also spoke about changing the way the American system deals with vulnerable people across race, gender, and social strata. "This is such a savage system that we have somehow set as a society that we're comfortable with. And these things are being done in our name," he said. "We have not had the courage to say that we can reimagine a different society which is not so over-reliant on policing and prisons. We can reimagine a new society where love, support, and caring, healthcare are the core of our society."
For many sitting at home, Booker's ambitions with the bill resonated. "I saw you on Late show James Corden. I loved what you said about giving people love & compassion with substance abuse & mental illness. Jail is no place for people who need help," tweeted a viewer. "Watched @CoryBooker on @JKCorden tonight. Cory, you make me feel empowered ever time I hear you. Please be our President one day! #AlwaysTeamBooker," added another. It was also a very overwhelming conversation for many viewers. "OMG - thank you @CoryBooker I am crying listening to you right now on James Corden!" tweeted a viewer. "Watching you now on @JKCorden rn, @CoryBooker. You’re a hero. Thank you for your service," adding another.