Just to be clear: It was never legal in Topeka to hit your spouse. Domestic violence is still a crime under state law. But there was a spell when nobody was charging people who were arrested for domestic battery. Reuters reports that 23 people were arrested and released without charge.
Topeka's stupefying maneuver worked. The county had long handled domestic-violence cases before the DA's budget was shredded this year, and Taylor released a statement yesterday announcing that his office would do it again. "I am deeply saddened by the city of Topeka's unfortunate decision to place resources and political grandstanding before its constituents' safety," Taylor's statement said. "I am also deeply encouraged by the strong, angry response of the people of Topeka and Shawnee County."
But don't get the impression that all is well in Topeka and Shawnee County. Taylor's office is still broke. As he told NPR yesterday: "And this year is going to put us in the breach for about 17 percent of our staff to be let go right before Christmas."
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