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Q&A on prison reform:

There are certain criminals who need to be locked up, no matter what. There are some people you just don’t want in your neighborhood. But some first-time non-violent offenders are sent away for five years, and graduate unemployable at 25 – illiterate and with a felony on their records. Instead of learning to read, they have learned how to be a serious criminal from fellow prisoners.

The experiments with drug courts look like a promising alternative. These first-time offenders serve a tough probation period and learn how to read. The recidivism rate is about 30% compared to 60% for prison. And there are significant budgetary advantages.

One response to “Obama’s Other Hand”

  1. Ks of W Avatar
    Ks of W

    Has there been any talk on this story by the candidates? It stunned me despite how I think it is indicative of the United States’ revolting reaction to mental illness:

    By Bill Mears
    CNN Supreme Court Producer

    WASHINGTON (CNN) — An imprisoned killer who was 12 years old when he committed a double murder, and then was given a 30-year sentence, was denied a hearing by the Supreme Court Monday.

    Christopher Pittman’s defenders argued the sentence was excessive for someone that age and claim heavy doses of antidepressants he was taking at the time sent his mind spinning out of control.

    Now 19, Pittman was convicted three years ago of killing his grandparents with a shotgun as they slept, then setting the house on fire.

    Reply

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