Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is drawing attention for her comments on crime and justice. Speaking on the Getting Better podcast with Jonathan Van Ness, Crockett argued that not everyone who commits a crime should automatically be labeled a criminal.
Crockett, a Democrat and former public defender, explained that her time representing poor clients in Texas shaped her views. She said many of her cases involved people acting out of desperation, like stealing food or diapers, and that these should be seen as crimes of survival rather than proof of a “criminal mindset.”
She described being a criminal as tied to intent and attitude, not simply the act of breaking the law. Van Ness agreed, saying there’s a difference between someone stealing to get by and someone who engages in tax evasion, corruption, or repeated harmful behavior without remorse.
Crockett has been outspoken on crime in general. In a recent MSNBC appearance, she said cities do have problems with crime but pointed the finger at what she called the “MAGA gang,” arguing that white supremacists, not immigrants, are fueling many of the issues.
Her legal background adds weight to her perspective. Crockett worked as a public defender in Bowie County before opening her own law firm. She handled everything from accident cases to pro bono defense for Black Lives Matter activists. Through that work, she said, she came to see the difference between people in desperate situations and those who intentionally cause harm.
Not everyone agrees with her view. Critics say her distinction between crime and criminality risks excusing bad behavior. She has also faced backlash for past comments, including her claim that law enforcement’s role is to solve crimes rather than prevent them. That statement drew sharp responses from officers and officials across the political spectrum.
Still, Crockett stands by her belief that lawmakers should focus on the root causes of crime rather than just harsher punishments. For her, it’s about drawing a line between people who act out of need and those who build their lives around breaking the law.
