The Bi-Partisan Criminal Justice Reform Act: It’s a start.

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Congress rolled out a bi-partisan criminal reform bill that is cited as being the most comprehensive set of reform proposals in recent years. Among other things, it does away with the previous “three strikes” rule wherein a defendant convicted of a third non-violent drug charge may face a mandatory life sentence. It expands the safety valve provisions which allows certain non-violent drug offenders to be sentencing under the minimum mandatory sentence and reduces minimum mandatory sentences for those classified as “career criminals” and firearm offenses.

In addition, the act would prohibit solitary confinement of minors and allow for minors serving life sentences to apply for parole after serving 20 years of their sentence.

By far the most interesting part of the act is the creation of rehabilitative and anti-recidivism programs tailored to the particular inmate based on their crime(s) and needs. If the inmate successfully participates, they could earn credit in the form of 10 calendar days per months or up to 120 days per year off their sentence.

It is refreshing to see Congress agreeing on anything but particularly on such controversial issues as finding ways to reduce prison sentences. The fact that we have both parties agreeing that there is a need for this reform is a testament to the monumental problem facing our federal criminal justice system: the over-incarceration and dolling out hefty sentences that do not ultimately equate to a reduction in crime or the rehabilitation of those convicted. While the act is a great start, as long as lengthy minimum mandatory sentences and exaggerated loss amounts creating excessive sentences are still the norm within the Federal Justice system, we will have a ways to go.

The Bi-Partisan Criminal Justice Reform Act: It’s a start.

Posted by

Congress rolled out a bi-partisan criminal reform bill that is cited as being the most comprehensive set of reform proposals in recent years. Among other things, it does away with the previous “three strikes” rule wherein a defendant convicted of a third non-violent drug charge may face a mandatory life sentence. It expands the safety valve provisions which allows certain non-violent drug offenders to be sentencing under the minimum mandatory sentence and reduces minimum mandatory sentences for those classified as “career criminals” and firearm offenses.

In addition, the act would prohibit solitary confinement of minors and allow for minors serving life sentences to apply for parole after serving 20 years of their sentence.

By far the most interesting part of the act is the creation of rehabilitative and anti-recidivism programs tailored to the particular inmate based on their crime(s) and needs. If the inmate successfully participates, they could earn credit in the form of 10 calendar days per months or up to 120 days per year off their sentence.

It is refreshing to see Congress agreeing on anything but particularly on such controversial issues as finding ways to reduce prison sentences. The fact that we have both parties agreeing that there is a need for this reform is a testament to the monumental problem facing our federal criminal justice system: the over-incarceration and dolling out hefty sentences that do not ultimately equate to a reduction in crime or the rehabilitation of those convicted. While the act is a great start, as long as lengthy minimum mandatory sentences and exaggerated loss amounts creating excessive sentences are still the norm within the Federal Justice system, we will have a ways to go.

The Bi-Partisan Criminal Justice Reform Act: It’s a start.

Posted by

Congress rolled out a bi-partisan criminal reform bill that is cited as being the most comprehensive set of reform proposals in recent years. Among other things, it does away with the previous “three strikes” rule wherein a defendant convicted of a third non-violent drug charge may face a mandatory life sentence. It expands the safety valve provisions which allows certain non-violent drug offenders to be sentencing under the minimum mandatory sentence and reduces minimum mandatory sentences for those classified as “career criminals” and firearm offenses.

In addition, the act would prohibit solitary confinement of minors and allow for minors serving life sentences to apply for parole after serving 20 years of their sentence.

By far the most interesting part of the act is the creation of rehabilitative and anti-recidivism programs tailored to the particular inmate based on their crime(s) and needs. If the inmate successfully participates, they could earn credit in the form of 10 calendar days per months or up to 120 days per year off their sentence.

It is refreshing to see Congress agreeing on anything but particularly on such controversial issues as finding ways to reduce prison sentences. The fact that we have both parties agreeing that there is a need for this reform is a testament to the monumental problem facing our federal criminal justice system: the over-incarceration and dolling out hefty sentences that do not ultimately equate to a reduction in crime or the rehabilitation of those convicted. While the act is a great start, as long as lengthy minimum mandatory sentences and exaggerated loss amounts creating excessive sentences are still the norm within the Federal Justice system, we will have a ways to go.