11/17/17

ACLUSD posts template for criminal justice reform

Libby Skarin of the South Dakota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has posted a repair bulletin for the justice system in South Dakota.

The following is an excerpt.
Know your elected officials: your city, county, and state representatives have enormous power to shape how our criminal justice system operates. Get to know who they are and ask them where they stand on criminal justice reforms.
Pay attention to your local State’s Attorney’s office. The State’s Attorney in your county has the power to decide who gets charged with a crime, who gets sent to treatment, and who deserves a second chance. State’s Attorneys are elected into office, which means they’re accountable to the people – feel free to remind them of this.
Ask local businesses if they believe in giving formerly convicted people second chances. Encourage them to be open-minded about hiring people with criminal records. [Skarin]

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