Police stop crime, not prisons

This comprehensive article shows that community policing is the most effect way to deter crime, not long term incarceration.

Prison Reform a Necessity for America

A new editorial is here:  

A new book is here: Facing the U.S. Prison Problem 2.3 Million Strong: An Ex-Cons' Views of the Problems and Solutions. by Shawn Griffith

I will be hosting a community conversation on criminal justice on WSLR (96.5) this
Thursday, January 24, from 6 -7 pm. Guests include author Shawn Griffith, Assistant Public Defender
Rebecca Wilson, and Robin Rogari director of inmate programs at the Sarasota County Jail.

Bill introduced to end Florida's Death Penalty

Person of the Week for Dec 30th through Jan. 5th :Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda -Many were expecting there to be some controversial bills to be filed in the Florida Legislature last week. But Tallahassee representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda shocked everyone with the filing of a bill that would repeal the death penalty in the State of Florida. Rehwinkel Vasilinda has always been a moderate on many issues, and her introduction of this bill was a nice change of pace. While the bill itself will more than likely not pass, or even make it to the floor for a vote, it is nice to see that someone is looking at the death penalty in Florida in this manner.

“The appropriate question for state government is how do we keep people safe from crime in the most cost effective way? When you analyze the numbers, state sponsored execution is not the correct answer,” says Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda according to CapitolSoup.com.

In a time where Democratic legislators, especially those that are north of I-4, are afraid to rock the boat with any new, progressive legislation, it is nice to see Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda stand up for progressive values.

Florida's Death Penalty Needs Reform

Florida is the only state that does not require a unanimous jury verdict to support the death penalty. The Tampa Bay Times calls for the Legislature to fix this issue.

Why is Violent Crime Declining?

Unleaded gasoline just might be the answer.

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.