Attorney General Eric Holder announced steps to reform the criminal justice system’s treatment of nonviolent drug offenders at the Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates in San Francisco on August 12, 2013. “Too many Americans go to too many prisons for far too long, and for no truly good law enforcement reason,” he said in his address.
In an effort to bypass tough mandatory prison terms while reducing America’s prison population and saving money, Attorney General Holder said the Justice Department would direct federal prosecutors to charge defendants in certain low-level drug cases in such a way that they would not be eligible for mandatory sentences now on the books. “To ensure that this work is, and will remain, a top priority throughout the country,” he would also order all U.S. Attorneys to designate a Prevention and Reentry Coordinator.
Additionally, Attorney General Holder discussed the Federal Interagency Reentry Council’s efforts to curb the collateral consequences of incarceration on people who are returning to society from custody, and directed “all Department of Justice components, going forward, to consider whether any proposed regulation or guidance may impose unnecessary collateral consequences on those seeking to rejoin their communities.”
For the full speech, click here.
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services…
Read More
The CSG Justice Center is pleased to announce 5 new members of its advisory board. Hailing from states…
Read More
The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities of the organization. The board features…
Read More
Apply Now for Resident Analyst Program to Increase Data Analysis Capacity at Departments of Corrections
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services to the incarcerated population, and coordinating with other agencies.
Read More
Five New CSG Justice Center Board Members Look to Strengthen Communities and Improve Public Safety
The CSG Justice Center is pleased to announce 5 new members of its advisory board. Hailing from states across the country and representing multiple professions, they are all eager to join the 17 current members in establishing the policy and project priorities for the organization.
Read More
Removing Barriers to Successful Reentry: Q&A with New CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Member Dr. Ronald F. Day
The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities of the organization. The board features a cross-section of leaders who shape criminal justice policy in various parts of the country.
Read More
Transforming Lives with Access to Needed Mental Health Care: Q&A with New CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Member Dr. Courtney Harvey
The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities of the organization. The board features a cross-section of leaders who shape criminal justice policy in various parts of the country.
Read More
Six States Commit to Improving Statewide Strategies to Address Youth Crime, Violence and Behavioral Health
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center has launched the Collaborating for Youth and Public Safety Initiative (CYPSI) in partnership with six states: California, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island. The initiative will help states develop, fund, and effectively implement a research-based service continuum to improve public safety and behavioral health, education, and other outcomes for youth.
Read More
Statement by The Council of State Governments Justice Center on Termination of Public Safety Grants
Washington, DC – Termination of bipartisan Department of Justice grants appropriated by Congress last week drew the attention of leaders and organizations across the country.
Read More