I spoke last week at a forum on reforming criminal justice policy for young adults. I can’t let go of the fact that we are incarcerating 5 times as many people in Massachusetts as we were 40 years ago, even though crime rates aren’t that different. We need to recognize the needs and risk factors that impel people to crime and do a better job of reducing recidivism by addressing those needs and risk factors.
Justice
animal welfare, civil law and procedure, criminal law, disability, drug policy, family law, freedom of speech, guardianship, gun violence, housing law, immigration, indigenous agenda, lgbtq rights, policing, privacy, sexual child abuse, terrorism, women's rights
Bills aim to curb teacher-student relationships
The Cape Cod Times reported on two bills being reviewed by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary relative to the age of consent. “We haven’t reached a full consensus yet, but I’m hopeful,” Brownsberger said.”
Proposed Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Allston
A medical marijuana dispensary has been proposed on Harvard Avenue in Allston and is moving through the state approval process. The company has secured signatures on a petition indicating non-opposition from nearby businesses and a letter of support from the Allston Civic Association. In November 2012, 65% of voters approved a ballot question to legalize medical marijuana.
Animal abuse registry
I’ve recently received dozens of emails urging me to support legislating creating an animal abuser registry. I support the goals of this legislation, but I think it needs more work.
Criminal Justice Reform Seen As Major Goal For Baker And Beacon Hill Democrats
WGBH reports, “A new working group lead by Gov. Charlie Baker’s top legal aide and the Legislature’s two Judicial Committee Chairs is bringing the state’s court, law enforcement, public safety and reentry stakeholders to the table to establish comprehensive criminal justice reform goals and the means to execute them.”
New Review Of Mass. Criminal Justice System Prompts Deeper Look Into Recidivism
WBUR reports on the initial finds presented by the Council of State Government’s Justice Center to the state’s new Working Group reviewing the criminal justice system. “So far, the center’s researchers have analyzed publicly-available data and decided to further its review of three areas: incarceration, recidivism and supervision.” The presentation given by the Council at the meeting can be found at this post.