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.