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Arizona resistant to change in ‘tough-on-crime’ sentencing laws
A lingering “tough-on-crime” mentality in Arizona is hampering efforts to reconstruct the state’s criminal justice system.
Ducey record on pardons, commutations not forgiving
Nearing the end of his first term, Ducey has granted only one pardon, to a man who stole a motorcycle in 1972. Other pardon recommendations sit dormant, leaving people awaiting a signature that could change their lives in fundamental ways.
Like Texas, Arizona would benefit from Justice Reinvestment Initiatives
For Arizona, the bottom line is that the prison population will continue to be reduced by additional changes and the state will save a substantial amount of money over the next several years instead of continuing to increase spending without benefitting public safety. Isn’t it worth taking the extra step and reinstituting the reinvestment portion of the legislation? It will only add to the posit[...]
Jared Keenan: Taking the job of a public defender to a systemic level
Jared Keenan is the newest hire by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, one of three staffing additions the organization will make thanks to a surge in donations following President Trump’s election in 2016.
Amy Love: From an intern in the corner to a voice at the table
Amy Love's friends may imagine she wins the court’s favor with lawmakers by making campaign contributions and buying people boats. But she's hardly your typical lobbyist.
Jail reform must address mental health, substance dependence
Though it is too often ignored in the criminal justice reform dialogue, treating the mentally ill and drug addicted as patients instead of criminals should be a focal point for reform.
Lawmakers focused on victims’ rights, not get-tough bills
Arizona lawmakers weren’t as tough on crime in the 2016 session, choosing instead to focus on victims’ rights.
The deal: Notable new policies make the state’s 2017 budget agreement more than just a group of numbers
Lawmakers like to say that a budget is a reflection of values. But it’s also a collection of policies, some of which might not have stood a chance as stand-alone measures.
Territorial Criminal Justice
This is the body of highwayman William Whitney Brazelton propped against a wall on Tucson’s Main Street as a caution to anyone planning a career in crime.
Arizona is ready for meaningful criminal justice reform
Policy leaders from across the country met in Arizona today to discuss whether Arizona needs to consider sentencing reform. Representatives of organizations with very different political view came together with a shared commitment to both safe and strong neighborhoods, and smaller numbers of people behind bars.
Defining Courage
In handling many of the state’s most politically-charged cases, Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk has drawn on lessons from the Nazis’ rise to power.
Bipartisan clamp down: Lawmakers passed several bills in 2012 increasing punishment for lawbreakers
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle acted to make life tougher for Arizona criminals during this year’s legislative session by passing a slate of criminal justice bills.
