Oklahoma recently began a new way to parole inmates in its prison system. In 2018, the Legislature approved House Bill 2286 among a host of criminal justice reform measures, reported the Oklahoma Watch. They established it as what they called administrative parole, rather than the traditional way of paroling, according to the article. “If you meet the five statutory requirements, we skip that part,” said Justin Wolfe, general counsel for the Pardon and Parole Board. Wolfe is referring to the process where inmates have had to appear … [Read more...] about Oklahoma initiates new parole reforms
Prison Reform
California legislators consider voting rights for parolees
Right To Vote This year, California legislators will decide whether a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to people on parole can be on the ballot for the 2020 elections. According to an article in the Sacramento Bee, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 6 (ACA 6), also known as the Free the Vote Act, was introduced by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty. ACA 6 will pave the way for a 2020 ballot measure that would restore the voting rights of about 50,000 parolees. Under Article II, section 4 of California’s Constitution “The … [Read more...] about California legislators consider voting rights for parolees
Popularity for capital punishment is on the decline in the US
The popularity for and sentencing for the death penalty is declining in America, a research paper reports. “The recent history of capital punishment in the U.S. has been marked by declining popularity and usage ... Within the past 15 years, eight states have abandoned the death penalty through legislative repeal or judicial invalidation,” according to theconversation.com website. “Capital punishment has been and continues to be controversial. ... More than 2,700 men and women are under death sentence,” the website … [Read more...] about Popularity for capital punishment is on the decline in the US
A civil liberties debate over NY prison’s biometric voice system
There are differing opinions of whether the new biometric voice recognition system put in place at New York Department of Corrections is a violation of prisoners’ rights and civil liberties, according to Popular Mechanics. “Once the data exists, and it becomes an accepted part of what’s happening, it’s very hard to protect or limit its use in the future,” said Jerome Greco, a digital forensics attorney at New York’s Legal Aid Society. “If you have a family member convicted of a crime, yet you haven’t been, why are you now having your … [Read more...] about A civil liberties debate over NY prison’s biometric voice system
J.P. Morgan Chase eliminates financing of private prisons
Private prisons leveraged their future by borrowing from banks against future arrests. The immigration-rights movement completed a major goal on March 5, when J.P. Morgan Chase became the first major bank to eliminate the financing of private prisons from their portfolios. Ana Maria Archila, co-Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy and Javier H. Valdez, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York, wrote of this historic event while reporting for The Nation. The article in The Nation says that 70 percent of … [Read more...] about J.P. Morgan Chase eliminates financing of private prisons
Some law enforcement and victim advocates oppose Proposition 57
Some police and victim advocates claim a recent court ruling could lead to the early release of many violent and sex offenders, reports the Times Herald. The case involves Gregory Gadlin, serving 35 years to life for assault with a deadly weapon. He was also convicted previously of forcible rape in 1984 and forcible child molestation in 1986. The 2nd District Court of Appeals ruled in January that Gadlin should be considered for early release under terms of Proposition 57, the voter- approved initiative aimed at reducing prison … [Read more...] about Some law enforcement and victim advocates oppose Proposition 57
Shifting the way we count incarcerated persons
A new law will give California prisoners political power by counting them as residents of their home communities rather than in the communities where they are incarcerated, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. The practice, which will be implemented after the 2020 census and subsequent redistricting process, is expected to shift political power from conservative rural areas toward more liberal cities. “It’s going to make a big difference, especially in the viability of our African-American state Senate seats,” said former state … [Read more...] about Shifting the way we count incarcerated persons
Elderly prisoners in India granted early parole
Some elderly prisoners in India may be granted early parole because of major overcrowding, according to an article in Hindustan Times. Prisons in the state of Uttar Pradesh currently hold 60,504 prisoners, compared to against a designed capacity of 35,870, the article reported. The state government is implementing measures to evaluate whether certain elderly inmates serving life sentences should be released on the grounds that they no longer pose a threat to society. “May God grant me release from the world,” said a 92-year-old … [Read more...] about Elderly prisoners in India granted early parole
Coalition For Justice: furthering community reform in prison
Every six months, new relationships are forged and the power of community becomes renewed through San Quentin’s Coalition For Justice (CFJ). The self-help program’s latest cycle produced 23 graduates. These men gathered on Feb. 13 alongside their volunteer facilitators and incarcerated mentors to receive their certificates, celebrate together, and reflect on their personal transformation. “We don’t just teach social justice here,” said CFJ President Darnell “Moe” Washington. “What makes this group so different is that we go further … [Read more...] about Coalition For Justice: furthering community reform in prison
Bay Area reentry event empowers 68 female parolees
SAN FRANCISCO ― Jasmine Washington lifted the lapels of her sleek blazer and boldly strutted between rows of fellow women parolees at the Southeast Community Facility in San Francisco on Oct. 24. Surrounded by 67 of her peers, representatives from 56 local resource service providers and the supportive Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) staff from the Adult Programs Unit (APU), Washington displayed her own empowerment just as sharply as she did her new suit ― courtesy of Dress for Success. “I think that I was showing the … [Read more...] about Bay Area reentry event empowers 68 female parolees