Rethinking life sentences for nonviolent crimes

Today's New York Times covers cases of people sentenced to life in prison for nonviolent offenses. It is time we think these type of sentences, and start reviewing people for potential release.

A check on bad eyewitness identifications

What can we do about the problems associated with eyewitness identification? A solution emerges in Oregon.

Right on Crime

This month's newsletter from a conservative approach to criminal justice reform.

New Group Tackles Criminal Justice Reform in Florida

This article was found in St. Petersblog on November 27, 2012.

What effect will the elections have on criminal justice reform?

Is the title of this new piece at the Nation.

Civil Citations save money, improve justice

A new strategy of issuing civil citations instead of making arrests has a lot of potential. Read the guest column from today's Sarasota Herald Tribune.

Preserving Independent Funding for Death Penalty Representation

What are the true costs of justice in a death penalty case?  A Miami Herald editorial.

Right on Crime

A very interesting group called Right on Crime publishes a monthly newsletter. I recommend that you subscribe. Here is the November, 2012 issue.

Vote NO on Amendment Five!

There are eleven constitutional amendments. Some are worse than others. Amendment Five is terrible for the court system. It violates the separation of powers and gives the Legislature unwarranted control over the courts. This article gives more details. Vote NO on Five.

Great graph showing the positive impact of drug courts in Florida.

A Federal Judge Speaks Out Against Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

Federal Judges usually keep their thoughts to themselves. But this one could no longer remain silent.
    In this powerful article, he describes how he has been forced to incarcerate more than 1,000 citizens for extended periods of time, whether or not it had anything to do with justice or public safety.

The Other Death Sentence

Mother Jones examines the growing elderly population behind bars.

Veteran's Treatment Courts

We have made progress on Veteran's courts in Manatee and Sarasota counties but we can do better. Watch this segment to understand this approach to justice.

Working with inmates in the county jail

This article is promising. We all have an obligation to try and prevent recidivism among inmates. Many people in the Manatee County jail (and the Sarasota County jail) are in for minor offenses and can become productive citizens.

"Smart" Justice Reform Could be Revived in the Florida Legislature

Florida needs comprehensive criminal justice reform. A diverse coalition of influential groups agree. Perhaps next year we can start the process.

The Problem of Solitary Confinement

A fate worse than death?

Too Many Prisoners

Is the title of this spot-on New York Times editorial.

Drug Courts Work

Even in Minnesota.

The Problem with our Court System

The real problem for our courts in Florida is that the legislature has not adequately funded any aspect of the system for many years.

The Return of Debtor Prisons

We are experiencing similar issues in Florida as those described in this article.

Real life problems with Private Prisons

This is the tip of the iceberg.

Does increased incarceration reduce crime?

Florida has significantly increased it's rate of incarceration. Has this reduced crime? At what cost?

The collapse of the American criminal justice system.

Review of this controversial new book can be read here.

The problem with minimum mandatory sentences

A tough federal judge calls for sentencing reform.

Governor Scott does not believe in criminal justice reform

"Support for prison reform that cuts costs and curbs recidivism is growing among Florida's business, civil rights, law enforcement and legal communities." Unfortunately, Governor Scott is not on board.

Incarceration Nation

What are the costs to our country? Tremendous.

The return of debtor's prisons?

This article reminds me of the collections court in Sarasota.

Flawed Forensics and Innocent Defendants

A very troubling article from the Washington Post.

Should the Tea Party Support Criminal Justice Reform?

After all, the biggest portion of most state government budgets goes to mass incarceration. If you are serious about reducing costs, start thinking about getting smart on crime.

Override Veto of Promising Prison Reform

After years of work, the legislature passed the first prison reform bill in some time. Unfortunately the bill was vetoed. The legislature should make it a priority to override this veto. A great discussion is found here.

Is Reentry the key to Rehabilitation?

Most prisoners will be released. What shall we do with them then? This article suggests that we must focus on reentry into society.

Should Incarcerated Pregnant Women be Shackled?

My answer is no. The bill prohibiting this practice has now landed on Governor Scott's desk. The bill, if signed into law, will establish humane and uniform rules for the treatment of pregnant women who are incarcerated in any prison, jail or detention in Florida. Read all about it here. 

Dementia Behind Bars

The New York Times points out one consequence of our harsh sentencing practices. 

Know your Rights (or not)

Interesting case, how well informed do you have to be about your rights before you plead guilty to a misdemeanor?

Juveniles should not receive life sentences

Please read this editorial from the New York Times written by a retired juvenile court judge.

Go To Trial: Crash the System

The premise of this article is that if more people exercised their right to a trial, the criminal justice system coulod not handle the consequences. Very interesting.

Wrongful convictions are Florida's greatest shame

How do wrongful convictions happen? Like this.

Should chronic pain sufferers be treated as criminals?

The other casualties in the war on pain medication.

As crime drops, fewer prisons are needed

The crime rate in Florida as fallen by almost fifty percent over the past 20 years. This means we need a lot fewer prisons.

Florida to close 11 correctional facilities

The state of Florida is closing seven of its state prisons and four work camps for a savings of roughly $90 million through 2013. But what wasn't clear after Thursday's announcement was how many of the nearly 1,300 employees who work at those facilities, including corrections officers, would still have jobs. "I'm not going to guarantee we can place everyone," said Corrections Secretary Kenneth S. Tucker. He did say he would reach out to other state agencies and county sheriffs to find jobs for corrections workers. [Source: AP]