Author: scott prell

Undue Influence: A Prosecutor’s Role in Parole Proceedings

Prosecutors should “stay home and keep quiet” when individuals they have helped convict appear at parole hearings, according to a research paper published in the Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law.

Noting that many states already prohibit prosecutors from testifying in person at discretionary parole hearings—although they can submit written statements—Boston College Law School Professor R. Michael Cassidy argues that similar practices should be extended to all states.

Article:  https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3247326

National Inventory of the Collateral Consequences of Conviction

Here is a new and useful resource that illustrates the types of collateral consequences that follow a person after being convicted of a crime.

What are collateral consequences?

Collateral consequences are legal and regulatory restrictions that limit or prohibit people convicted of crimes from accessing employment, business and occupational licensing, housing, voting, education, and other rights, benefits, and opportunities.

Some collateral consequences serve a legitimate public safety or regulatory function, such as keeping firearms out of the hands of people convicted of violent offenses, prohibiting people convicted of assault or physical abuse from working with children or the elderly, or barring people convicted of fraud from positions of public trust. Others are directly related to a particular crime, such as registration requirements for sex offenders or driver’s license restrictions for people convicted of serious traffic offenses. But some collateral consequences apply without regard to the relationship between the crime and opportunity being restricted, such as the revocation of a business license after conviction of any felony. 

National Inventory of the Collateral Consequences of Conviction
— Read on niccc.csgjusticecenter.org/

The Biased Algorithm: Evidence of Disparate Impact on Hispanics by Melissa Hamilton :: SSRN

This report discusses using algorithmic assessments for predicting recidivism. This is an example of the prediction problem and possible biases in the use of assessments.

Algorithmic risk assessment holds the promise of reducing mass incarceration while remaining conscious of public safety. Yet presumptions of transparent and fai
— Read on papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm

Is There A Cure For Hate? : NPR

This is an interesting article which speaks to some of the issues and problems with rehabilitation and is similar to thoughts on the effectiveness of probation and parole

After the Pittsburgh mass killing, many are wondering how to turn extremists away from violence and hate. But there is very little research, and even less funding, to make that happen.
— Read on www.npr.org/2018/11/06/663773514/is-there-a-cure-for-hate

D.C.’s Aggressive Confiscation Of Illegal Guns Leaves Residents Feeling Targeted : NPR

This is an excellent example of Procedural Justice.

The police department in Washington, D.C., has seized thousands of illegal weapons, but an investigation finds that 4 out of 10 cases of illegal gun possession are dismissed in court.
— Read on www.npr.org/2018/10/24/659980871/d-c-s-aggressive-confiscation-of-illegal-guns-leaves-residents-feeling-targeted

Marsy’s Law-Giving victim’s a voice

In New Hampshire, the senate has overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment known as Marsy’s Law.

If it wins final approval from voters this fall, the amendment would enshrine a list of rights for crime victims into the state constitution. They include the right to be notified of when the accused is released on bail, the right to be heard at sentencing hearings, and the right to reasonable protection from the accused.

See the report HERE.

Criminal Justice topics on the ballot

This is exactly the type of programs, policy, and laws that are an example of the impact of the Criminal Justice System on a Community.

Think about how these proposals would impact the community.

Are the proposals based on political rhetoric or evidence based practices?

The report from The Marshall Project that discusses several different Criminal Justice initiatives that can be decided at the Ballot box.   See the report HERE

Combating Prostitution – No Right Turn?

Los Angles is trying to combat prostitution with “No Right Turn” signs.

It is a creative way to disrupt the prostitution activity by preventing the solicitor and the prostitute from quickly leaving the main street by taking a quick right turn onto a secondary neighborhood street where the negotiation can be finalized or the sex act can take place.  This is a good example of combining Broken Windows policing and Problem Solving.  The article can be found HERE