May 22, 2014
Globe and Mail – Angela Campbell
For sex workers, the Nordic model still falls short
The federal government intends shortly to introduce a replacement for the prostitution laws on the books – the Court gave a year to accomplish the change. Campbell, a professor at McGill’s law faculty, has some reservations about the adoption of the Nordic model in which the prostitutes become victims rather than offenders. The weakness, she says, is the lack of safety and security for the sex workers. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/for-sex-workers-the-nordic-model-still-falls-short/article18713169
Global TV – Jordan Chittley
Canada to expand program so more mothers can care for babies in prison
About to add 114 minimum security beds to allow for mother-child in prison, CSC has announced expansion of the program in four provinces: Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Since the 1970’s there have been about 130 cases, though in recent years confusion around the policy has meant only 14 cases since 2008. http://knlive.ctvnews.ca/canada-to-expand-program-so-more-mothers-can-care-for-babies-in-prison-1.1830656
Globe and Mail – Jeffrey Simpson
UN report on aboriginals misses the central dilemma
The size of the average Aboriginal community – 70% are less than 500 persons – is a major factor in the treatment of Aboriginals and in relations with governments, says Simpson. Where will the revenue come from for a full range of government services to self governing groups which are smaller than the average town in Canada? http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/un-report-on-aboriginals-misses-the-central-dilemma/article18760642
Restorative Justice Council (UK) – Ministry of Justice
Pre-sentence restorative justice (RJ)
The article presents guidelines for the application of RJ processes before sentencing. The idea is that sentencing can be delayed until the application of a RJ process and provides guidelines for selection of cases, contact with victim and offender, processes, delivery of the RJ process. http://www.restorativejustice.org.uk/news/moj_presentence_guidance/ Full report: (Go directly to page 5 of the 20 page downloadable pdf) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/312426/pre-sentence-restorative-justice.pdf
The Sentencing Project (US)
Juvenile Life without Parole: An Overview
The article offers an overview of the status of life without parole (LWOP) for juveniles now that the Supreme Court has ruled the sentence unconstitutional. The question remains what to do with the 2500 already serving such a sentence. The information is organized by state. http://sentencingproject.org/doc/publications/jj_Juvenile%20Life%20Without%20Parole.pdf Related article: The Sentencing Project – Disproportionate Minority Contact in the Juvenile Justice System http://sentencingproject.org/doc/publications/jj_Disproportionate%20Minority%20Contact.pdf
Huffington Post (US) – Rep John Conyers, House Black Caucus
Criminal Injustice
The article is a defense of the efforts by President Obama to streamline the clemency process for those convicted of non-violent drug offenses and who received severe sentences for relatively little reason. The US constitution gives the President unfettered pardon power but efforts to exercise the power have brought hue and cry. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-conyers/criminal-injustice-justice-reform_b_5365392.html?utm_hp_ref=sports Related article: Time Maya Rhodan Conservatives Tout Criminal Justice Reform Efforts in States http://time.com/#107813/conservatives-tout-criminal-justice-reform-efforts-in-states