NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman wrote an op-ed in the Huffington Post today on further steps needed to reform the criminal justice system in New York. Below are highlights from the op-ed:
ON THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: There are serious structural issues that must be addressed if all our citizens are expected to feel our system provides equal justice under law. Without reform, we are consigning an entire generation of young, predominantly African-American men to incarceration with little hope of a successful future.
ON THE NEED TO RAISE THE AGE: In those cases where our children do end up in the system, they should be treated as children. After the governor and legislature failed to agree on a "Raise the Age" proposal this past session, New York remains one of only two states that automatically treats 16- and 17-year-olds as adults. This is unconscionable.
ON THE NEED FOR BAIL REFORM: Once they are charged, too many poor New Yorkers find themselves trapped by our unjust bail system. Unable to pay for bail, they languish in Rikers Island or other jails while they await trial, regardless of guilt.
There are many interesting bail reform proposals circulating in both the city and state. My friends in government must move forward on those reforms.