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.