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Washington Monthly
America Doesn’t Need Public Mugshots of Donald Trump or Joe Blow

By Marc A. Levin and Khalil A. Cumberbatch

Americans may have increasingly different perspectives, but virtually all of them recognize the face of former President Donald Trump. Sure, some have seen enough of him, while others eagerly await his every word, but seeing a mugshot of him wouldn’t advance justice for any of us.  

Even if one had been taken at his arraignment, as in nearly every other criminal case, it would almost certainly not have been released. That’s because New York State adopted legislation four years ago limiting the public dissemination of mugshots. Most states lack such protection, though some, including North Carolina, are now considering it. 

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