Author

Stephen Cooper

Stephen Cooper is a former D.C. public defender who worked as an assistant federal public defender in Alabama between 2012 and 2015. He has contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers in the United States and overseas. He writes full-time and lives in Woodland Hills, California. Follow him on Twitter @SteveCooperEsq

Overcriminalization and Mass Incarceration: SCOTUS’ Decision in Hobbs Act Will Increase Both

By Donnie W. Bethel and Stephen A. Cooper People of all persuasions, political parties, and philosophies have awakened to the terrible toll the crises of overcriminalization and mass incarceration have wrought on America. Perhaps, as reported by The New York Times, Judge Raymond J. Dearie of the Federal District Court in Brooklyn has now voiced … Continued

Stephen Cooper

June 30, 2016

Opinion

An Annotated Version of Alabama Governor Bentley’s “Bona Fide B.S.”

By Stephen A. Cooper As reported (“Gov. Robert Bentley speaks on Mike Hubbard without mentioning Hubbard”, June 11) by Paul Gattis for Al.com, Alabama Governor Bentley issued a “vaguely-worded” statement this past Saturday morning. Because, indeed, it was so vague, here’s a line-by-line annotated version to help quickly guide you through what I’d like to … Continued

Stephen Cooper

June 16, 2016

Opinion

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley is Madder than a Jackass Chewing on Bumble Bees

By Stephen A. Cooper The last time Alabama Governor Bentley penned a column for al.com, I wrote in The Alabama Political Reporter that his op-ed proved he was delusional, but this time, as it concerns his May 29 open letter to all Alabamians (“Governor Bentley wants to hear from you”), I can’t sugarcoat it: He’s … Continued

Stephen Cooper

June 6, 2016

Opinion

Bentley’s Op-Ed Proves He’s Delusional

By Stephen Cooper In an op-ed for al.com dated May 9, 2016, Governor Robert Bentley declares he has no “intention of being a caretaker governor.” Bad news for Bentley: His insistence that he won’t to be relegated to the sidelines during the remainder of his time in office as a “caretaker” governor is not only … Continued

Stephen Cooper

May 11, 2016

Opinion

Eight $100 million ideas for prison reform in Alabama

By Stephen Cooper Instead of wrapping an $800 million ($1.5 billion over 30 years) albatross around the necks of Alabamians to build four new “super-max” style prisons, here are eight $100 million dollar ideas, each of which, I respectfully submit, are more efficient and morally sound ways to tackle Alabama’s prison problems: 1. Write a … Continued

Stephen Cooper

May 4, 2016

Opinion

Clemency in Alabama is a Farce

By Stephen Cooper In about two weeks, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley — himself a desperate cartoonish candidate for clemency from the people of Alabama (who he has so profoundly betrayed) — will be the sole arbiter of clemency for Mr. Vernon Madison, an African-American death row inmate; On May 12, Mr. Madison is scheduled to … Continued

Stephen Cooper

April 25, 2016

What Prison Reform Means in Alabama

By Stephen Cooper Working as an Assistant Federal Defender in Alabama for three years, I visited many state prisons. More often than not, the conditions I observed my incarcerated clients in were deplorable. Sadly, when I raised red flags of concern with officials, shoulders shrugged — folks just did not care. Instead, at each turn … Continued

Stephen Cooper

April 12, 2016