Following the conference committee compromise on recreational marijuana, Sen. Brownsberger was featured in a Boston Globe article that considers how criminal records involving marijuana-related offenses should be treated.
Criminal Law
Glossary of Massachusetts Sentencing Terms
For many years, Attorney Lee Gartenberg, has been preparing a document that defines many key terms in Massachusetts criminal sentencing law. It’s a great resource and, with his permission, I share it here.
Some Stats on Criminal Justice
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 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.