Few Felons Should Have Guns - Room for Debate - NYTimes.com
"Laws that strip felons of their right to vote after they have served their sentences are bad public policy. I see no public interest in denying individuals their voting rights. Such policies can encourage discriminatory criminal justice policies and worsen the mistrust many minority communities feel toward law enforcement.
In contrast, there is a clear public interest in restricting the ability of felons to possess firearms. Michael Luo’s investigative report in The Times clearly demonstrates the harmful effects of allowing felons to have guns. As Luo reports, research has shown that denying handgun purchases to people convicted of serious misdemeanors reduces the risk of committing new violent crimes by 20 to 30 percent. Restoring felons’ right to legally possess firearms comes at a cost: more gun violence and innocent lives lost.
Although there is a division of opinion in the U.S. about guns generally, polls show overwhelming support for policies designed to keep guns from people with a history of criminality. And public opinion is consistent with the data on ex-convicts and crime. Individuals convicted of crimes, even nonviolent misdemeanors, are on average many times more likely than law-abiding citizens to subsequently commit acts of violence."
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
N.J. launches program to help veterans in criminal justice system | State | NewJerseyNewsroom.com -- Your State. Your News.
N.J. launches program to help veterans in criminal justice system | State | NewJerseyNewsroom.com -- Your State. Your News.
"The state government has teamed up with federal, and Atlantic County officials to launch a pilot program in in the county aimed at identifying and providing community-based services to veterans and active duty military personnel who become involved in the criminal justice system.
State Attorney General Paula T. Dow announced Wednesday in Mays Landing that a two-year Veterans Pilot Initiative will attempt to provide community-based programs such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, anger management and family counseling to eligible veterans and active duty military personnel who find themselves in trouble with the law and the crime appears related to a substance abuse or mental health issue.
The program will offer eligible criminal defendants who are veterans and/or active duty military personnel with a substance abuse problem or mental health illness the opportunity to receive counseling or treatment under strict guidelines and in lieu of incarceration. Prosecutors will work with licensed treatment professionals in identifying viable participants and with both public and private defense counsel on plea agreements that ensure compliance with a treatment regimen.
“The collaboration among the agencies involved in the initiative reflects growing awareness of the strains our men and women in uniform experience when they return home from war,” Dow said. “Unfortunately, this can result in drug or mental health issues that result in criminal activity. For those who serve in our armed forces, where we can, and where it is appropriate, the justice system should marshal its resources to help get them back on the right path.”
“I am proud that this initiative will be led by the men and women in Atlantic County for the next two years,” Atlantic Prosecutor, Theodore F.L. Housel said. “This office has always understood the issues facing veterans. Those of us who were Assistant Prosecutors in the late 1970’s and 1980’s vividly remember the Vietnam veterans who became involved with the criminal justice system because of experiences that occurred overseas. Like those individuals, the men and women who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve our understanding and help. Combat-related trauma can have devastating effects on the physical and mental well-being of our soldiers for years following deployment; this program is designed to ameliorate some of those effects.”
As part of the program, if a person who is charged with committing a crime in Atlantic County is a veteran, a member of the reserve or active duty military personnel, he or she will be screened and evaluated by a licensed clinician from Jewish Family Services, a contracted service provider in Atlantic County."
"The state government has teamed up with federal, and Atlantic County officials to launch a pilot program in in the county aimed at identifying and providing community-based services to veterans and active duty military personnel who become involved in the criminal justice system.
State Attorney General Paula T. Dow announced Wednesday in Mays Landing that a two-year Veterans Pilot Initiative will attempt to provide community-based programs such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, anger management and family counseling to eligible veterans and active duty military personnel who find themselves in trouble with the law and the crime appears related to a substance abuse or mental health issue.
The program will offer eligible criminal defendants who are veterans and/or active duty military personnel with a substance abuse problem or mental health illness the opportunity to receive counseling or treatment under strict guidelines and in lieu of incarceration. Prosecutors will work with licensed treatment professionals in identifying viable participants and with both public and private defense counsel on plea agreements that ensure compliance with a treatment regimen.
“The collaboration among the agencies involved in the initiative reflects growing awareness of the strains our men and women in uniform experience when they return home from war,” Dow said. “Unfortunately, this can result in drug or mental health issues that result in criminal activity. For those who serve in our armed forces, where we can, and where it is appropriate, the justice system should marshal its resources to help get them back on the right path.”
“I am proud that this initiative will be led by the men and women in Atlantic County for the next two years,” Atlantic Prosecutor, Theodore F.L. Housel said. “This office has always understood the issues facing veterans. Those of us who were Assistant Prosecutors in the late 1970’s and 1980’s vividly remember the Vietnam veterans who became involved with the criminal justice system because of experiences that occurred overseas. Like those individuals, the men and women who have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve our understanding and help. Combat-related trauma can have devastating effects on the physical and mental well-being of our soldiers for years following deployment; this program is designed to ameliorate some of those effects.”
As part of the program, if a person who is charged with committing a crime in Atlantic County is a veteran, a member of the reserve or active duty military personnel, he or she will be screened and evaluated by a licensed clinician from Jewish Family Services, a contracted service provider in Atlantic County."
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
10 convicts are offered last chance in new police program
10 convicts are offered last chance in new police program
"It was an intervention of community proportions — with the added muscle of local, state and federal law enforcement and criminal justice agencies — for 10 of the worst repeat violent offenders in Madison.
And at least some of those who earned the distinction were glad to be part of the first call-in Tuesday for a new Madison Police Department initiative whose message rang out repeatedly from representatives of the FBI to the City Attorney’s Office to community members.
“Your violence will no longer be tolerated in this community,” Madison Police Chief Noble Wray told the 10. “Consider yourself under a microscope.”
Christopher Cole of the FBI said: “We know who you are. We’re watching,” referring to the agency’s surveillance and wiretapping.
But along with the promise of swift arrest and prosecution — in federal court for gun, drug and even tax offenses — and the full force of the law crashing down on them came offers of help in finding a job and housing, getting counseling and earning a GED.
“I’m glad I came,” said Carlton Harris, 30, of Madison, who got out of prison in May after serving six years for possession of firearms. “The resources was what I liked the most.”
Once involved in gangs, Harris said he plans to get married Nov. 25 and hopes to find a better job, further his education and benefit from mentoring.
“I think that it’s a very good thing,” his fiance, Angela Jadoo, said of the program."
Read more: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/convicts-are-offered-last-chance-in-new-police-program/article_03baa4df-9f22-5397-aa26-cbe59ad93b1c.html#ixzz1dE5luaRu
"It was an intervention of community proportions — with the added muscle of local, state and federal law enforcement and criminal justice agencies — for 10 of the worst repeat violent offenders in Madison.
And at least some of those who earned the distinction were glad to be part of the first call-in Tuesday for a new Madison Police Department initiative whose message rang out repeatedly from representatives of the FBI to the City Attorney’s Office to community members.
“Your violence will no longer be tolerated in this community,” Madison Police Chief Noble Wray told the 10. “Consider yourself under a microscope.”
Christopher Cole of the FBI said: “We know who you are. We’re watching,” referring to the agency’s surveillance and wiretapping.
But along with the promise of swift arrest and prosecution — in federal court for gun, drug and even tax offenses — and the full force of the law crashing down on them came offers of help in finding a job and housing, getting counseling and earning a GED.
“I’m glad I came,” said Carlton Harris, 30, of Madison, who got out of prison in May after serving six years for possession of firearms. “The resources was what I liked the most.”
Once involved in gangs, Harris said he plans to get married Nov. 25 and hopes to find a better job, further his education and benefit from mentoring.
“I think that it’s a very good thing,” his fiance, Angela Jadoo, said of the program."
Read more: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/crime_and_courts/convicts-are-offered-last-chance-in-new-police-program/article_03baa4df-9f22-5397-aa26-cbe59ad93b1c.html#ixzz1dE5luaRu
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
U.S. Supreme Court rejects killer's appeal - Houston Chronicle
U.S. Supreme Court rejects killer's appeal - Houston Chronicle
"The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected Houston killer Duane Buck's request that it review his death sentence - a punishment handed down despite former Texas Attorney John Cornyn's assessment that it might have been tainted by racial considerations.
The high court stopped Buck's Sept. 15 execution in order to decide whether to take up the case. Buck, 48, was sentenced to die for the July 1995 murders of his former girlfriend, Debra Gardner, and her friend, Kenneth Butler. Buck also shot his sister, Phyllis Taylor, in the chest at point-blank range, but she survived and later argued that the killer should be spared.
The approaching execution of Buck, an African American, brought other pleas for mercy, including one from a former Harris County assistant district attorney who had assisted in his prosecution.
At issue was testimony in the trial's punishment phase from psychologist Walter Quijano, who, on cross-examination, said being black could contribute to the killer's "future dangerousness" in prison. Future dangerousness is a key factor jurors consider before assessing a death sentence.
Cornyn in 2000 identified Buck's case as one of six that may have been compromised by Quijano's testimony The other five convicted killers ultimately received new punishment hearings and again were sentenced to death."
"The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected Houston killer Duane Buck's request that it review his death sentence - a punishment handed down despite former Texas Attorney John Cornyn's assessment that it might have been tainted by racial considerations.
The high court stopped Buck's Sept. 15 execution in order to decide whether to take up the case. Buck, 48, was sentenced to die for the July 1995 murders of his former girlfriend, Debra Gardner, and her friend, Kenneth Butler. Buck also shot his sister, Phyllis Taylor, in the chest at point-blank range, but she survived and later argued that the killer should be spared.
The approaching execution of Buck, an African American, brought other pleas for mercy, including one from a former Harris County assistant district attorney who had assisted in his prosecution.
At issue was testimony in the trial's punishment phase from psychologist Walter Quijano, who, on cross-examination, said being black could contribute to the killer's "future dangerousness" in prison. Future dangerousness is a key factor jurors consider before assessing a death sentence.
Cornyn in 2000 identified Buck's case as one of six that may have been compromised by Quijano's testimony The other five convicted killers ultimately received new punishment hearings and again were sentenced to death."
U.S. Supreme Court rejects killer's appeal - Houston Chronicle
U.S. Supreme Court rejects killer's appeal - Houston Chronicle
"The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected Houston killer Duane Buck's request that it review his death sentence - a punishment handed down despite former Texas Attorney John Cornyn's assessment that it might have been tainted by racial considerations.
The high court stopped Buck's Sept. 15 execution in order to decide whether to take up the case. Buck, 48, was sentenced to die for the July 1995 murders of his former girlfriend, Debra Gardner, and her friend, Kenneth Butler. Buck also shot his sister, Phyllis Taylor, in the chest at point-blank range, but she survived and later argued that the killer should be spared.
The approaching execution of Buck, an African American, brought other pleas for mercy, including one from a former Harris County assistant district attorney who had assisted in his prosecution.
At issue was testimony in the trial's punishment phase from psychologist Walter Quijano, who, on cross-examination, said being black could contribute to the killer's "future dangerousness" in prison. Future dangerousness is a key factor jurors consider before assessing a death sentence.
Cornyn in 2000 identified Buck's case as one of six that may have been compromised by Quijano's testimony The other five convicted killers ultimately received new punishment hearings and again were sentenced to death."
"The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected Houston killer Duane Buck's request that it review his death sentence - a punishment handed down despite former Texas Attorney John Cornyn's assessment that it might have been tainted by racial considerations.
The high court stopped Buck's Sept. 15 execution in order to decide whether to take up the case. Buck, 48, was sentenced to die for the July 1995 murders of his former girlfriend, Debra Gardner, and her friend, Kenneth Butler. Buck also shot his sister, Phyllis Taylor, in the chest at point-blank range, but she survived and later argued that the killer should be spared.
The approaching execution of Buck, an African American, brought other pleas for mercy, including one from a former Harris County assistant district attorney who had assisted in his prosecution.
At issue was testimony in the trial's punishment phase from psychologist Walter Quijano, who, on cross-examination, said being black could contribute to the killer's "future dangerousness" in prison. Future dangerousness is a key factor jurors consider before assessing a death sentence.
Cornyn in 2000 identified Buck's case as one of six that may have been compromised by Quijano's testimony The other five convicted killers ultimately received new punishment hearings and again were sentenced to death."
Monday, November 7, 2011
Crime victim rights advocates seek constitutional amendment - chicagotribune.com
Crime victim rights advocates seek constitutional amendment - chicagotribune.com
"Years after her 11-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted, Denise Rotheimer wants the right to sue the Lake County prosecutors who sent the offender to jail, saying they defamed her child by telling the judge that the girl "had issues."
In Cook County, Maria Ramirez believes prosecutors violated her rights by refusing to let her file a complaint after she was threatened by relatives of a juvenile charged with her son's 2006 murder.
Both women found that — after floundering through a complex criminal justice system that critics say is weighted toward ensuring the rights of the accused — their rights as crime victims were unenforceable.
Victims of violent crimes "are not the people you want to further victimize or betray," said Rotheimer, who along with her daughter, Jasmine Jimenez, now 21, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Lake County's state's attorney and the state of Illinois. She hopes it leads to a precedent that prosecutors can be held legally accountable.
"I am saying, let's have a right to be able to hold accountable a person who violates or denies you your rights to justice, prosecutor or not," Rotheimer said.
The Illinois Constitution already provides 10 rights for crime victims, including that they be treated with respect, given notice of court hearings and be allowed to attend trials and present victim-impact statements.
But if those rights are violated, there's no mechanism for a crime victim to appeal to a higher court, said Cindy Hora, who heads the Illinois attorney general's crime victim services division. And Illinois is the only state whose constitution specifically prohibits victims from seeking legal remedy through an appeal, Hora said."
"Years after her 11-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted, Denise Rotheimer wants the right to sue the Lake County prosecutors who sent the offender to jail, saying they defamed her child by telling the judge that the girl "had issues."
In Cook County, Maria Ramirez believes prosecutors violated her rights by refusing to let her file a complaint after she was threatened by relatives of a juvenile charged with her son's 2006 murder.
Both women found that — after floundering through a complex criminal justice system that critics say is weighted toward ensuring the rights of the accused — their rights as crime victims were unenforceable.
Victims of violent crimes "are not the people you want to further victimize or betray," said Rotheimer, who along with her daughter, Jasmine Jimenez, now 21, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Lake County's state's attorney and the state of Illinois. She hopes it leads to a precedent that prosecutors can be held legally accountable.
"I am saying, let's have a right to be able to hold accountable a person who violates or denies you your rights to justice, prosecutor or not," Rotheimer said.
The Illinois Constitution already provides 10 rights for crime victims, including that they be treated with respect, given notice of court hearings and be allowed to attend trials and present victim-impact statements.
But if those rights are violated, there's no mechanism for a crime victim to appeal to a higher court, said Cindy Hora, who heads the Illinois attorney general's crime victim services division. And Illinois is the only state whose constitution specifically prohibits victims from seeking legal remedy through an appeal, Hora said."
Friday, November 4, 2011
Katy Welter: Smart Criminal Justice Policies Gain Momentum in Chicago's Cook County
Katy Welter: Smart Criminal Justice Policies Gain Momentum in Chicago's Cook County
"County and city officials have taken bold yet prudent steps toward sensible, cost-effective public safety policies. The county has expanded use of electronic monitoring and the city is now considering issuing a fine in lieu of arrest for marijuana possession -- a move many suburbs have already made.
Both plans aim to relieve the mounting fiscal, political, and humanitarian costs imposed by crowded jails and overburdened police and courts. They also represent incremental steps toward fundamental, systemic reform.
These policy changes will save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. The Chicago Reader recently reported that city and county officers made approximately 28,000 arrests for marijuana possession last year.
The vast majority of these cases were ultimately dismissed, but not before racking up the substantial processing costs of paperwork and preliminary court hearings. In the case of felony arrests, many defendants who are unable to meet even modest bail requirements spend days or weeks in the county's notoriously crowded jail only to have their cases dismissed.
Electronic monitoring provides a cost-effective alternative to imprisoning a non-violent defendants while their case is pending in court. Offenders wear GPS devices that ensure high rates of compliance and safety.
Since 2009, the county has increased the number of defendants on EM from fewer than 100 to 865 today. That number is now scheduled to jump since County Board President Preckwinkle awarded Sheriff Dart $1 million in October for expansion of the EM program. This is money well spent. EM costs about $65 a day -- less than half of the daily cost to confine someone in Cook County Jail.
Taking a different approach to excessive criminal justice costs, Chicago's City Council this week will consider reducing the penalty for possession small amounts of marijuana possession. Under the proposal, individuals caught with 10 grams (approximately 1/3 of an ounce) or less will be fined $200. Presently, possession of 10 grams or less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail."
"County and city officials have taken bold yet prudent steps toward sensible, cost-effective public safety policies. The county has expanded use of electronic monitoring and the city is now considering issuing a fine in lieu of arrest for marijuana possession -- a move many suburbs have already made.
Both plans aim to relieve the mounting fiscal, political, and humanitarian costs imposed by crowded jails and overburdened police and courts. They also represent incremental steps toward fundamental, systemic reform.
These policy changes will save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. The Chicago Reader recently reported that city and county officers made approximately 28,000 arrests for marijuana possession last year.
The vast majority of these cases were ultimately dismissed, but not before racking up the substantial processing costs of paperwork and preliminary court hearings. In the case of felony arrests, many defendants who are unable to meet even modest bail requirements spend days or weeks in the county's notoriously crowded jail only to have their cases dismissed.
Electronic monitoring provides a cost-effective alternative to imprisoning a non-violent defendants while their case is pending in court. Offenders wear GPS devices that ensure high rates of compliance and safety.
Since 2009, the county has increased the number of defendants on EM from fewer than 100 to 865 today. That number is now scheduled to jump since County Board President Preckwinkle awarded Sheriff Dart $1 million in October for expansion of the EM program. This is money well spent. EM costs about $65 a day -- less than half of the daily cost to confine someone in Cook County Jail.
Taking a different approach to excessive criminal justice costs, Chicago's City Council this week will consider reducing the penalty for possession small amounts of marijuana possession. Under the proposal, individuals caught with 10 grams (approximately 1/3 of an ounce) or less will be fined $200. Presently, possession of 10 grams or less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail."
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The Senate's Latest (Unnecessary) Scandal: A Criminal-Justice Commission - Andrew Cohen - Politics - The Atlantic
The Senate's Latest (Unnecessary) Scandal: A Criminal-Justice Commission - Andrew Cohen - Politics - The Atlantic
"Another month, another dismaying example of a smart measure stymied in Congress by Republican intransigence. This time, 43 GOP members of the Senate blocked passage of legislation that would have created a new National Criminal Justice Commission, a bipartisan group designed to help figure out how to bring some order to the chaos that currently exists in the nation's criminal justice systems. The cops supported the bill.
The American Civil Liberties Union supported it. But Senate Republicans wouldn't even allow a merits vote on it. On October 19th, they filibustered.
Predictably, the primary sponsor of the measure, Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), was furious. One of the more conservative members of the Democratic caucus, and someone with legitimate street cred when it comes to law and order, Webb took to the Senate floor Tuesday and delivered these biting remarks:
Mr. President, eleven days ago all but four of the Republicans in this body filibustered a common-sense piece of legislation that would have created a national commission designed to bring together some of the best minds in America to examine our broken and frequently dysfunctional criminal justice system, and to make recommendations as to how we can make it more effective, more fair, and more cost-efficient.
This legislation was the product of more than four years of effort. It was paid for. It would have gone out of business after 18 months. It was balanced philosophically. It guaranteed equal representation among Democrats and Republicans in its membership. I must say that at first I was stunned at the filibuster at the hands of 43 Republicans. But on the other hand, Mr. President, it is impossible not to notice, over the past two years, the lamentable decline in bipartisan behavior in this body, even in addressing serious issues of actual governance. I say this with a great deal of regret, both personally and politically.""
"Another month, another dismaying example of a smart measure stymied in Congress by Republican intransigence. This time, 43 GOP members of the Senate blocked passage of legislation that would have created a new National Criminal Justice Commission, a bipartisan group designed to help figure out how to bring some order to the chaos that currently exists in the nation's criminal justice systems. The cops supported the bill.
The American Civil Liberties Union supported it. But Senate Republicans wouldn't even allow a merits vote on it. On October 19th, they filibustered.
Predictably, the primary sponsor of the measure, Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), was furious. One of the more conservative members of the Democratic caucus, and someone with legitimate street cred when it comes to law and order, Webb took to the Senate floor Tuesday and delivered these biting remarks:
Mr. President, eleven days ago all but four of the Republicans in this body filibustered a common-sense piece of legislation that would have created a national commission designed to bring together some of the best minds in America to examine our broken and frequently dysfunctional criminal justice system, and to make recommendations as to how we can make it more effective, more fair, and more cost-efficient.
This legislation was the product of more than four years of effort. It was paid for. It would have gone out of business after 18 months. It was balanced philosophically. It guaranteed equal representation among Democrats and Republicans in its membership. I must say that at first I was stunned at the filibuster at the hands of 43 Republicans. But on the other hand, Mr. President, it is impossible not to notice, over the past two years, the lamentable decline in bipartisan behavior in this body, even in addressing serious issues of actual governance. I say this with a great deal of regret, both personally and politically.""
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Eric E. Sterling: Congress on Speed: Partisan Conflict Led to Many Problems in 1986 Drug Law
Eric E. Sterling: Congress on Speed: Partisan Conflict Led to Many Problems in 1986 Drug Law
"Today, the 112th Congress is stalled, mired in partisan conflict. Last week, the votes of 43 Republican senators blocked the proposal of Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) to create a National Criminal Justice Commission to study and recommend improvements to the criminal justice system. But in the 111th Congress, the proposal passed the House on a voice vote in 2010. This proposal, endorsed by the National Sheriffs Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the ACLU, had bi-partisan support last year. This year, however, partisan conflict has blocked the measure.
Other times, partisanship has led Congress to move too fast, and that produced trouble. Twenty-five years ago last Thursday (Oct. 27), President Reagan signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, after less than ninety days of jockeying between the Democratic House and Republican Senate.
The political wrangling was triggered by the cocaine death of Maryland basketball star Len Bias on June 19, 1986 as he celebrated signing with the Boston Celtics. In the media blitz following his tragedy, House Speaker "Tip" O'Neill from Boston spotted political opportunity for Democrats to claim anti-drug leadership in time for the election. Eager to complete a package before the August campaigns, the bills were very hastily written. Having spent many hours in the Speaker's conference room helping to write the law as counsel to the House Crime Subcommittee, I was invited to the White House twenty-five years ago. I've followed the results of that law closely.
The law's best known blunders were the long sentences for small amounts of drugs. Congress finally acknowledged the unfairness of crack sentencing and its racial disparity when it passed the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. But many other features of the 1986 law were also bad policy.
The Drug-Free Schools program of 1986 got about $12 billion over twenty years. Every evaluation found it did not reduce drug use. The Administration finally eliminated this waste last year when the proof of its ineffectiveness at last overcame its political attractiveness -- $500 to 600 million per year in contracts and salaries.
The "designer drug" law we wrote in 1986 prohibited classes of drugs before they could even be invented and before they could be found to be beneficial or harmful. The presumption behind this ban, that any new drug would be "dangerous" and "bad," stigmatizes and deters discovery of new potentially beneficial drugs. Like most of the other provisions of the 1986 law, this one failed to do anything to prevent the spread of "ecstasy," synthetic cannabis such as "spice" and "K2," and stimulants marketed as "bath salts."
The National Forest System Drug Control Act of 1986 was supposed to protect the National Forests from marijuana cultivation. It was a fine idea, but the "protection" was not thought through. Expanded surveillance of urban electricity usage and scanning for temperature anomalies by drug agents encouraged by the potential riches from property forfeitures led to large-scale and destructive marijuana plantations over-running more than 61 National Forests by 2009."
"Today, the 112th Congress is stalled, mired in partisan conflict. Last week, the votes of 43 Republican senators blocked the proposal of Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) to create a National Criminal Justice Commission to study and recommend improvements to the criminal justice system. But in the 111th Congress, the proposal passed the House on a voice vote in 2010. This proposal, endorsed by the National Sheriffs Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the ACLU, had bi-partisan support last year. This year, however, partisan conflict has blocked the measure.
Other times, partisanship has led Congress to move too fast, and that produced trouble. Twenty-five years ago last Thursday (Oct. 27), President Reagan signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, after less than ninety days of jockeying between the Democratic House and Republican Senate.
The political wrangling was triggered by the cocaine death of Maryland basketball star Len Bias on June 19, 1986 as he celebrated signing with the Boston Celtics. In the media blitz following his tragedy, House Speaker "Tip" O'Neill from Boston spotted political opportunity for Democrats to claim anti-drug leadership in time for the election. Eager to complete a package before the August campaigns, the bills were very hastily written. Having spent many hours in the Speaker's conference room helping to write the law as counsel to the House Crime Subcommittee, I was invited to the White House twenty-five years ago. I've followed the results of that law closely.
The law's best known blunders were the long sentences for small amounts of drugs. Congress finally acknowledged the unfairness of crack sentencing and its racial disparity when it passed the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. But many other features of the 1986 law were also bad policy.
The Drug-Free Schools program of 1986 got about $12 billion over twenty years. Every evaluation found it did not reduce drug use. The Administration finally eliminated this waste last year when the proof of its ineffectiveness at last overcame its political attractiveness -- $500 to 600 million per year in contracts and salaries.
The "designer drug" law we wrote in 1986 prohibited classes of drugs before they could even be invented and before they could be found to be beneficial or harmful. The presumption behind this ban, that any new drug would be "dangerous" and "bad," stigmatizes and deters discovery of new potentially beneficial drugs. Like most of the other provisions of the 1986 law, this one failed to do anything to prevent the spread of "ecstasy," synthetic cannabis such as "spice" and "K2," and stimulants marketed as "bath salts."
The National Forest System Drug Control Act of 1986 was supposed to protect the National Forests from marijuana cultivation. It was a fine idea, but the "protection" was not thought through. Expanded surveillance of urban electricity usage and scanning for temperature anomalies by drug agents encouraged by the potential riches from property forfeitures led to large-scale and destructive marijuana plantations over-running more than 61 National Forests by 2009."
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Flaws in the criminal justice system help fugitives cross borders - chicagotribune.com - start
Flaws in the criminal justice system help fugitives cross borders - chicagotribune.com - start
"Justice Department officials say they are capturing more international fugitives than ever. But breakdowns at every level of law enforcement enable uncounted numbers of suspects to flee across the U.S. border and then hamper their apprehension.
County prosecutors
Local prosecutors prepare voluminous extradition packages that are sent to the Justice Department and then to foreign governments. County officials can be overwhelmed by the complex paperwork and the costs of translators, outside counsel and even airline tickets for sheriffs and returning fugitives. The Tribune identified more than 60 Cook County fugitives law enforcement traced to Mexico, yet the Cook County state’s attorney’s office said they are actively seeking the extradition or deportation of only 12 of those suspects.
Example: Among those not on the county’s active list is career criminal Juan Jacquez (Tribune summary), wanted on charges of killing a South Side man in 2002. Months later, a family informant provided Chicago detectives with Jacquez’s exact address in Santiago Papasquiaro, Mexico, but no visible progress has been made in the case.
County judges
At cursory bond hearings, judges gave some murder and rape suspects the keys to their own escape by setting low bonds or failing to limit the travel of foreign-born and dual-nationality citizens by confiscating their passports or imposing other restrictions.
Example: Chicago maintenance mechanic Dimitrios Amasiadis (Tribune summary) posted a cash bond of just $1,000 after being charged in 1998 with sexuallyassaulting his 10-year-old stepdaughter over a period of years. Born in Guatemala to a Greek father, Amasiadis mortgaged his house to raise more than $30,000 and then fled to Greece, where he remains today. Amasiadis was convicted in absentia. His sister Patricia Echeverria professes his innocence and told the Tribune that Amasiadis is "still happily married" and raising a new family. "He’s not looking over his shoulder," she said.
Illinois law
A family exemption in Illinois law bars authorities from charging close relatives with harboring or aiding fugitives. There is no deterrent against family helping suspects flee by driving them to bus stations and airports, providing cash or withholding information from police.
Example: In 2005, after 21-year-old Muaz Haffar was charged with murdering a university student with a bike lock, he fled to Syria. Haffar’s father in the Chicago area helped arrange his trip and a brother accompanied Haffar on part of his journey out of Chicago, according to law enforcement sources. Muaz Haffar remains at large."
"Justice Department officials say they are capturing more international fugitives than ever. But breakdowns at every level of law enforcement enable uncounted numbers of suspects to flee across the U.S. border and then hamper their apprehension.
County prosecutors
Local prosecutors prepare voluminous extradition packages that are sent to the Justice Department and then to foreign governments. County officials can be overwhelmed by the complex paperwork and the costs of translators, outside counsel and even airline tickets for sheriffs and returning fugitives. The Tribune identified more than 60 Cook County fugitives law enforcement traced to Mexico, yet the Cook County state’s attorney’s office said they are actively seeking the extradition or deportation of only 12 of those suspects.
Example: Among those not on the county’s active list is career criminal Juan Jacquez (Tribune summary), wanted on charges of killing a South Side man in 2002. Months later, a family informant provided Chicago detectives with Jacquez’s exact address in Santiago Papasquiaro, Mexico, but no visible progress has been made in the case.
County judges
At cursory bond hearings, judges gave some murder and rape suspects the keys to their own escape by setting low bonds or failing to limit the travel of foreign-born and dual-nationality citizens by confiscating their passports or imposing other restrictions.
Example: Chicago maintenance mechanic Dimitrios Amasiadis (Tribune summary) posted a cash bond of just $1,000 after being charged in 1998 with sexuallyassaulting his 10-year-old stepdaughter over a period of years. Born in Guatemala to a Greek father, Amasiadis mortgaged his house to raise more than $30,000 and then fled to Greece, where he remains today. Amasiadis was convicted in absentia. His sister Patricia Echeverria professes his innocence and told the Tribune that Amasiadis is "still happily married" and raising a new family. "He’s not looking over his shoulder," she said.
Illinois law
A family exemption in Illinois law bars authorities from charging close relatives with harboring or aiding fugitives. There is no deterrent against family helping suspects flee by driving them to bus stations and airports, providing cash or withholding information from police.
Example: In 2005, after 21-year-old Muaz Haffar was charged with murdering a university student with a bike lock, he fled to Syria. Haffar’s father in the Chicago area helped arrange his trip and a brother accompanied Haffar on part of his journey out of Chicago, according to law enforcement sources. Muaz Haffar remains at large."
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