Court Injunctions to Curb Gang Activity

The decision of the California Supreme Court to permit cities to prohibit the legal activity of street gangs is a severe blow against civil liberties (Jan. 31). Justice Janice Rogers Brown, in arguing that “the security and protection of the community” take precedence over individual freedom, advances a highly restrictive notion of liberty that has received little endorsement in the historical development of constitutional practices in the U.S. Civil liberties are a crucial part of the social cement that holds a democratic system together. The denial of these rights to any unpopular group, no matter how distasteful their behavior is, undermines the security of every inhabitant of California urban society.

Gang violence is certainly a very serious problem in many cities. The police, however, often identify minority youth as gang members simply on the basis of dress style without any evidence of criminal activity. Equally disturbing is the fact that gang culture is deeply rooted in racism, grinding poverty and much social disorganization. Local governments need to fully address these harsh conditions in their effort to reduce gang-related violence.

MARTIN SCHIESL

Professor of History

Cal State L.A.

* The ruling of the California Supreme Court relating to the legality of injunctions against certain behaviors of gang members that put public safety concerns over civil liberties violates the age-old ethical principle: The end does not justify the means.

For four years I have worked with a project aimed at effecting change and renewal in the Blythe Street neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley. The project was established and is partially funded by the Immaculate Heart Community.

Blythe Street has been notorious for poverty, unemployment, substandard and overcrowded housing and the inevitably ensuing family dysfunction, drug sales and the organization of a gang. The four-year injunction there does nothing to address or correct the underlying causes of so much misery.

Although I am an experienced clinical psychologist and soci- ologist, people who challenge my opposition to the injunction identify me simply as a nice, sweet, committed religious woman who is naively concerned with saving gang members’ souls. I am more than ready to admit my concern not just for their souls but for their whole lives. The injunction ignores this primary concern.

MARGARET-ROSE WELCH

Los Angeles