As the conversation about criminal justice reform heats up, some numbers are helpful for putting things in perspective. As I share in this post, Massachusetts has the third lowest incarceration rate among the 50 states–but we lock up 4 to 5 times as many people as we did 40 years ago. I want to share more on this critical issue, and to hear from you, at my upcoming community discussions.
Criminal Law
Criminal Justice Reform in 2017-18 Session
My ongoing top priority as Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee is criminal justice reform.
An Act to Reduce the Criminalization of Poverty
An Act to Reduce the Criminalization of Poverty is designed to stop the criminal justice system from dragging people deeper in by exacting unaffordable fees and fines and by creating civil disabilities that prevent people from working.
Can’t get away from my past — introduction
Many people experience long term civil disabilities as a result of having been arrested or charged with a crime. They may be unable to join the military, get a job or find housing. This post, the first in a series breaking down this complex problem, introduces some basic concepts and policy challenges.
Role of Probation Dept in Sentencing Recommendations
Will I wonder if Massachusetts has a similar system as California where a representative of the Probation or Corrections department is responsible for interviewing researching and making a post sentencing recommendation to the Judge when deciding what sentence is to be imposed on a convicted person? If so does the Commonwealth have a legal framework …
Continue reading “Role of Probation Dept in Sentencing Recommendations”
Responding to critics of the movement to reform criminal justice
Readers took the time to offer frank criticism — both online and offline — of the piece I published last week about reforming criminal justice by shifting resources from incarceration to treatment. I appreciate the dialog. Keeping the public safe is the top goal of government, and we are starting to get past knee-jerk answers and get smart on crime.