April 7, 2013
Global Grind – Nyasia Draper
The Time Is Now: Eric Holder Speaks Out Against Mandatory Prison Sentencing
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder: “Too many people go to too many prisons for far too long for no good law enforcement reason.” He adds: “Mandatory sentencing is “irrespective of the unique facts of an individual case and are ultimately counterproductive.”” http://globalgrind.com/news/eric-holder-speaks-out-against-mandatory-prison-sentencing-details#ixzz2PoIw74To
Globe and Mail – Andrea Woo
Man’s illness brings him full-circle through B.C.’s justice system
Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a combination of schizophrenia (typically characterized by delusions, hallucinations and breaks with reality) and dramatic mood swings, Lyle Richardson’s troubles began at an early age and moved through the health care system and eventually to the justice system. Now he lectures police on dealing with the mentally ill. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/mans-illness-brings-him-full-circle-through-bcs-justice-system/article10826052
Associated Press – Amanda Lee Myers
Ohio Amish in beard-cutting case fight for release
Sixteen Amish in Ohio were convicted of hate crimes for cutting the beards to shame other members of the sect. The leader received 15 years and the rest sentences from one year to seven years. The convicted group is jailed in different facilities across the country, making family contact very difficult. “Cruel and unusual” says defence. http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/21891094/apnewsbreak-convicted-amish-fight-for-release
BBC News
Guantanamo Bay prison ‘must close’ – UN rights chief
The UN human rights chief, Ms Navi Pillay, has urged the US to close Guantanamo Bay, saying the indefinite detention of many inmates there without charge or trial violates international law. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22046979
LA City Watch – Dick Price
Fixing California’s Mass Incarceration Mess
The US Supreme Court has mandated reductions in California’s prison population. Susan Burton, a former inmate, and James Austin, president of the JFA Institute, offer some direction on successful reductions in both California and New York. http://www.laprogressive.com/mass-incarceration-mess Link to A new way of life: http://anewwayoflife.org Link to JFA Institute: http://www.jfa-associates.com
Tri-cities Now – Jeremy Deutsch
Amanda Todd investigation continues – Police say they have received thousands of tips over six month span
Mom Carol Todd is hoping the bully involved in her daughter’s suicide will be charged but she does not want any kid doing jail time. http://www.thenownews.com/news/Amanda+Todd+investigation+continues/8199052/story.html#ixzz2Poo1c1zx
Stateline (US) – Newsletter of the Pew Charitable Trusts
Ex-Felons Are About to Get Health Coverage
Recently released ex-offenders will now be eligible for health care under the reforms of the Medicaid program in which the federal and state governments share costs. The ex-offender population has generally poorer health than the general population. http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/ex-felons-are-about-to-get-health-coverage-85899465889
San Francisco Gate – Michael Brick, Associated Press
Senate approves bill to limit ticketing youth
Texas has a system allowing schools to issue misdemeanor tickets for minor student behavioral infractions. Lawmakers want to end the practice on the grounds that the tickets are bringing youth into the criminal justice system for problems that should be resolved in school. http://www.sfgate.com/news/texas/article/Senate-approves-bill-to-limit-ticketing-youth-4410073.php
John Howard Society
Passing of Bill C-293, An Act to Amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (Vexatious Complainants)
This Bill came into force March 27, 2013. It allows the Commissioner of CSC to designate a complainant as ‘vexatious’ and thereby prevent any further complaints. The Bill will cause changes not yet complete to be made to the regulations governing complaints. The current regulations can be found at http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca./text/plcy/cdshtm/081-cde-eng.shtml Link to Bill C-293: http://openparliament.ca/bills/41-1/C-293