Sentencing Reform

PSJ’s 2011 Annual Report

March 23, 2012
We've published our 2011 Annual Report and we must say: Wow! We're really proud of the breadth and depth of the work we've accomplished with the help of you, our wonderful members! Please take a few minutes to see what you've helped make happen.

PSJ 2011 Annual Report

  • Read more

    • Some "Smart on Crime" Reforms that are Working

    December 7, 2011
    Necessitated by harsh economic times and encouraged by declines in crime rates, a number of states have made significant strides in reducing the number of people in prisons and jails and cutting spending while maintaining public safety.

    Article by Denise Welch

    Oregon's 2011 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

    September 19, 2011
    In early 2011 we participated in the Legislation Sessions. We had VICTORY'S : HB 2707, ODSVS, HEAL Oregon help maintain funding for Addiction Treatment, and HB 2650: Addiction & Mental Health Workers w/Conviction histories return to work

    40 Years of a Failed War on Drugs

    September 19, 2011
    Throughout the last 40 years the war on drugs has failed and has taken to a level of punishment rather than treating a issue or correcting a problem. One major way to combat Drug Use is to have more treatment options not prisons.

    ACLU: Reduce Crime by Reducing Prison Sentences

    August 25, 2011
    A report from the American Civil Liberties Union says several U.S. states have reduced crime – and saved money – by putting fewer people behind bars. (VOA)

    ACLU: Reduce Crime by Reducing Prison Sentences

    Trend to Lighten Harsh Sentences Catches On in Conservative States

    August 25, 2011
    Fanned by the financial crisis, a wave of sentencing and parole reforms is gaining force as it sweeps across the United States, reversing a trend of “tough on crime” policies that drove the nation’s incarceration rate to the highest — and most costly — level in the developed world (NYT)

    Trend to Lighten Harsh Sentences Catches On in Conservative States

    PolitiFact Truth-o-Meter: Trio of county district attorneys says that only a quarter of felons spend time behind prison bars

    August 25, 2011
    Three district attorneys' statement that only about a quarter of convicted felons in Oregon spend time in prison is found to be Mostly True, but this statistic misrepresents how many people the state is actually locking up. (Politifact Oregon)

    Politico Fact Check: Trio of county district attorneys says tha

    Crime Victims and Victim Advocates Support Sentencing Reform

    July 20, 2011
    Three recent opinion pieces by victims and victim advocates support sentencing reform. "We need to get the best return on investment for our public safety spending - “one size fits all” sentences don’t deliver. We are victims’ advocates, and agree we need smart sentencing reform." (Oregonian)

    NADCP Releases Public Service Announcements in Support of Drug Courts

    June 27, 2011
    Celebrities of all types joined the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) to create several public service announcements in support of Drug Courts as part of the NADCP's All Rise campaign.

    Celebrities of all types joined the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) to create several public service announcements in support of drug courts as part of the NADCP's All Rise

    Thousands Are Victimized by the Mandatory Harsh Sentencing for Crack -- Will They Get Justice?

    June 6, 2011
    Over 12,000 prisoners serving harsh sentences for crack cocaine possession and distribution may have their sentences reduced. (Alternet)

    Thousands Are Victimized by the Mandatory Harsh

    Syndicate content