Kamala Harris’ Years as California’s Top Prosecutor: What You Need to Know

In 2011, Kamala Harris made history as California’s first female, Black, and South Asian American Attorney General. This moment was a big step in her journey, starting in Alameda County courts and leading to national fame. The California prosecutor who secured a $25 billion settlement with mortgage had already broken many barriers.

Before becoming a national figure, Harris was known for her progressive policies and tough stances. She was San Francisco’s District Attorney from 2004 to 2010, another first. There, she started programs like Back on Track, helping first-time drug offenders with support, not jail.

As California’s top lawyer from 2011 to 2017, Harris faced many challenges. She worked with law enforcement while pushing for consumer protection. Her office got a $1.1 billion win against Corinthian and created the California Homeowner Bill of Rights to help families facing foreclosure.

Her time as prosecutor shaped her politics, influencing her Senate work in 2017. Knowing this part of her career helps us understand her views on justice, consumer protection, and civil rights.

Key Initiatives and Policies Under Harris

Kamala Harris was California’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2017. She focused on consumer protection, criminal justice reform, and environmental advocacy. Her work during this time shaped her political identity and career.

In 2012, Harris negotiated a $25 billion mortgage settlement with five major U.S. banks. She initially rejected a $4 billion offer, pushing for more help for California homeowners. Her efforts secured about $20 billion in relief, with homeowners getting an average of $20,000.

“We insisted on homeowner relief that was significant and meaningful,” Harris said. “What we achieved will provide real benefits to Californians who were harmed by these practices.”

In 2013, Harris introduced the California Homeowner Bill of Rights. This law was the first of its kind, stopping dual-tracking foreclosures and requiring a single point of contact for loan modifications. It changed how financial institutions treat homeowners facing foreclosure.

Harris also worked on criminal justice reform. She launched a body camera program for law enforcement and required bias training for all state agents. These efforts aimed to fix systemic issues in the criminal justice system while keeping the public safe.

She also took action against predatory educational institutions. In 2013, she started an investigation into Corinthian Colleges for deceptive marketing. The case ended in a $1.1 billion judgment against the college in 2016, helping thousands of students.

“These predatory for-profit colleges targeted people who were vulnerable and looking to better their lives,” Harris said. “Instead of helping them, these institutions put them into debt with worthless degrees.”

This victory helped the federal government discharge $5.8 billion in student loans for former Corinthian students. It provided significant relief to those affected by the college’s fraud.

Harris also focused on environmental protection. She defended California’s cap-and-trade program and Low Carbon Fuel Standard against legal challenges. Her office secured settlements with oil companies for environmental violations, including a notable agreement with Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips.

Legal experts praised Harris’ approach as Attorney General. “What distinguished Harris was her willingness to use the full power of her office to address structural problems,” said Professor James Cohen of Stanford Law School. “Her achievements weren’t just about winning cases but about creating lasting policy changes.”

Harris’ work as Attorney General shows her commitment to consumer protection, educational equity, and environmental justice. Her record informed her national political profile.

Controversies and Criticism

Kamala Harris’s time as California’s top prosecutor has sparked a lot of debate. Both sides of the political spectrum have criticized her. They point out issues with her record that make them question her judgment.

One big issue is her stance on the death penalty. Harris personally opposes it but defended California’s right to execute prisoners as Attorney General. In 2014, she argued that the state could keep the death penalty, even though she didn’t agree with it.

This has led to a lot of debate about her leadership. Some say she put politics over her personal beliefs. Others argue she was doing her job, even if it went against her views.

One case that hurt her reputation is Jamal Trulove’s. He was wrongly convicted of murder during her time as San Francisco District Attorney. He spent six years in prison before being exonerated. The city paid $13 million to settle the case.

Her anti-truancy policies have also faced criticism. These programs threatened parents with jail if their kids missed school. Critics say these policies unfairly targeted low-income families and communities of color.

Her office’s stance on prisoner releases has also been questioned. In 2014, they argued against releasing inmates to reduce overcrowding. They said these inmates were important for the state’s labor needs. This sparked outrage among those pushing for criminal justice reform.

Her office’s handling of prosecutorial misconduct has also been criticized. In one case, they appealed a decision to dismiss a case due to misconduct. They argued that the misconduct wasn’t severe enough. This raised questions about her commitment to fairness and justice.

These controversies have made Harris’s legacy complex. Opponents have used these issues to question her judgment and progressive credentials. Both sides have criticized her, showing the challenges she faces in her campaign.

As voters look at Kamala Harris’s record, they see a mix of contradictions. Her past actions as a prosecutor contrast with her current stance on criminal justice reform. She needs to address these criticisms to move forward in her campaign.

Lasting Impact on California and Beyond

Kamala Harris’s time as California’s Attorney General has had a lasting effect. She helped secure a deal that led to the Homeowner Bill of Rights. This law protects homeowners from foreclosure.

Her work on criminal justice reforms has set a new standard. Harris started a body camera program and training on bias for police. Her “Back on Track” program helped non-violent drug offenders get jobs and education. It has lowered recidivism rates and been copied elsewhere

Harris’s impact also reaches education policy. She went after Corinthian Colleges, leading to $5.8 billion in loan forgiveness for 560,000 students. This shows how state actions can influence national policies.

In environmental matters, Harris supported California’s climate efforts. She defended key programs that help the state meet its climate goals.

Now, Harris talks about her prosecutorial past in her political campaigns. She says she “took on perpetrators of all kinds.” This connects her past to her current political goals. As election coverage grows, her record as Attorney General remains key to her campaign and public image.