When someone goes to prison for life, families expect the case is closed.

But in Philadelphia, the top lawyer has been trying to undo those deals.

Now, the state’s highest court says he isn't telling the whole truth about why.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court took away some of DA Larry Krasner's power this week.

They said his office failed to give good reasons for wanting to throw out murder convictions.

Two Democratic judges joined the majority to say the DA can no longer make these choices on his own.

What the evidence shows

• The court ruled the DA's office is "not reliable" in these cases.
• A "special master" will now be hired to check the DA's work.
• The court found the office lacked facts to back up freeing convicts.
• This ruling stops the DA from acting alone on old murder cases.
• The decision came after several high-profile sentences were nearly erased.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

This is about more than just one lawyer. It is about who has the final say on justice.

If a DA decides a past trial was unfair, should we trust them?

Or do we need a second pair of eyes to make sure they are not just playing politics with the law?

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

A special expert will now look over every move the DA makes when he tries to shorten a sentence.

This means victims' families might feel more secure.

However, it could also slow down cases where someone truly does not belong in prison.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. Who will the court pick to be the special expert?
2. How many past cases will be looked at again because of this?
3. Will this change how other city lawyers across the country handle old cases?