Tough-on-crime legislation that has long filled courtrooms, prisons and parole offices across the country has apparently met its match — the economy.
In Washington and other states, lawmakers are considering budget cuts that would close prisons, loosen sentencing guidelines and slash probation terms.
With lawmakers in Olympia looking for nearly $4 billion in spending cuts, several high-ranking Democrats say the recession gives them an opportunity to add compassion to a criminal-justice system they believe has grown too large, too expensive and too harsh for some of the crimes.
"We need a massive re-look at what we're doing and what the focus is," said Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Margarita Prentice, D-Renton.
From 2005 to 2015 this blog presented news items and resources relating to trial advocacy and the legal system, with a focus on Washington State. It was developed to support the Trial Advocacy Program at the University of Washington School of Law, but broadened to include appellate practice, the courts, access to justice, and related topics. It is no longer active.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Closing prisons, slashing sentences eyed to balance budget
Politics | Closing prisons, slashing sentences eyed to balance budget | Seattle Times Newspaper, April 9, 2009:
This move must be carefully assessed and looked into. Convicts who committed severe and heinous crimes must pay their crimes.
ReplyDeleteI heard that in July 2009 many prisoners will begin recieving 1/2 time for good behavior rather than 1/3 or 1/5. could anyone tell me what they know about this. Also, I heard in July there will be an amendment to the 3 strikes law removing such crimes as assault2 and burglary 2. rshaker.amc @hotmail.com Thank you
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