Criminal Defense News of the Week
by: Sduclos • November 20, 2012 • no comments
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| − | + | ==='''Death - Cheaper, Faster, and More Dangerous'''=== | |
| − | + | A [http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-liebman-death-penalty-deluna-20120601,0,7769848.story recent ][http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-liebman-death-penalty-deluna-20120601,0,7769848.story Op-Ed by James Liebman] in the LA Times describes why the debate about abolishing the death penalty should focus beyond the financial cost of the death penalty. Liebman talks directly about his research into Texas's wrongful execution of Carlos DeLuna who was swept through the death penalty system in just six years. Turns out all that due process and appeals process stuff exists for a reason. | |
| − | + | ==='''Incarceration Breaking the Bank'''=== | |
| − | + | A [http://www.pewstates.org/research/reports/time-served-85899394616?p=1 study] released by the Pew Charitable Trust calculates the (direct) costs of incarcerating people for longer terms. They found that overall $10 billion was spent on increased sentences in 2009. [http://www.pewstates.org/research/state-fact-sheets/time-served-in-oregon-85899396385%20 In Oregon] alone, that number was $121.5 million. Meanwhile, public opinion polls demonstrate general support for reducing sentences for non-violent offenders. | |
| − | + | ==='''Michael Morton DA - Remember this guy?'''=== | |
| − | + | He's OUT! Last April, Texan Michael Morton was exonerated after 25 years in prison. (see related post [https://libraryofdefense.org/Criminal_Defense_News_of_the_Week-6 here]). Now, the DA that spent 25 years keeping him in, every step of the way, just lost his seat as DA. Woopie! Read more in the[http://www.statesman.com/news/texas/texas-da-linked-to-wrongful-conviction-out-of-2387823.html AP article]. | |
| − | + | ==='''Louisiana Mass Incarceration - On the Cheap'''=== | |
| − | A | + | If that Pew report bothered you, here's one crazy solution: jail for profit! Pay half the average rate per prisoner on rooms, beds, and services. Meanwhile, make sheriff hires contingent on out-sourcing to the lowest bidder. A new [http://www.nola.com/prisons/ exposé by The Times-Picayune of New Orleans] describes the strange logic between imprisoning-for-profit and the consequences it has on the political push for tougher sentences in Louisiana. Fresh Air also has a fascinating [http://www.npr.org/2012/06/05/154352977/how-louisiana-became-the-worlds-prison-capital interview of the reporter, Cindy Chang]. |
| − | {{wl-publish: 2012-06- | + | {{wl-publish: 2012-06-10 18:44:18 -0700 | sduclos }} |
Revision as of 17:31, December 21, 2012
Contents |
Death - Cheaper, Faster, and More Dangerous
A recent Op-Ed by James Liebman in the LA Times describes why the debate about abolishing the death penalty should focus beyond the financial cost of the death penalty. Liebman talks directly about his research into Texas's wrongful execution of Carlos DeLuna who was swept through the death penalty system in just six years. Turns out all that due process and appeals process stuff exists for a reason.
Incarceration Breaking the Bank
A study released by the Pew Charitable Trust calculates the (direct) costs of incarcerating people for longer terms. They found that overall $10 billion was spent on increased sentences in 2009. In Oregon alone, that number was $121.5 million. Meanwhile, public opinion polls demonstrate general support for reducing sentences for non-violent offenders.
Michael Morton DA - Remember this guy?
He's OUT! Last April, Texan Michael Morton was exonerated after 25 years in prison. (see related post here). Now, the DA that spent 25 years keeping him in, every step of the way, just lost his seat as DA. Woopie! Read more in theAP article.
Louisiana Mass Incarceration - On the Cheap
If that Pew report bothered you, here's one crazy solution: jail for profit! Pay half the average rate per prisoner on rooms, beds, and services. Meanwhile, make sheriff hires contingent on out-sourcing to the lowest bidder. A new exposé by The Times-Picayune of New Orleans describes the strange logic between imprisoning-for-profit and the consequences it has on the political push for tougher sentences in Louisiana. Fresh Air also has a fascinating interview of the reporter, Cindy Chang.
