SB 649, authored by State Senator Mark Leno, pursues a similar approach to Realignment by recognizing that people convicted of simple drug possession, as well as the overall community, will not benefit from austere penalties. Rather, these individuals would benefit greatly from sentences that expand access to rehabilitation, which can be better provided through this bill.
CJCJ’s NoVA case manager, José Luis Gómez, participates in an interview with Radio Bilingüe in which he emphasizes that Realignment is not just about reducing the overall prison population or moving incarcerated people from a state to local level; Rather, José asserts, AB 109 should be primarily implemented by counties to provide an array of services for justice-involved individuals so that they can improve their lives, reduce recidivism, and ultimately promote overall public health and safety. José
Blog Jun 18, 2013
Nigeria’s evolving juvenile justice system
An article by Iyabode Ogunniran discussing the evolution of juvenile justice in Nigeria was released in the Spring 2013 edition of the Justice Policy Journal today.
On Wednesday, June 12th, the California State Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color brought together policymakers, grassroots advocates, youth, educators, and concerned parents to offer their perspectives on school safety and education needs for youth of color. The hearing elevated voices, which need to be raised more often in Sacramento and across the state.
Nationally, African Americans are 4 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana use than their white counterparts, despite using the drug at approximately the same rate, according to a new report.