UMF is hosting a series of Franklin County community action meetings on restorative justice with local law enforcement, organizations, leaders and other state prisoner advocacy and reentry organizations.
criminal justice
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Criminal justice reforms atop Maine Legislature’s 2021 achievements
Now Gov. Mills should sign bills that would close Long Creek, end cash bail and decriminalize drug possession.
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Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Bill to eliminate cash bail in Maine for minor crimes advances
On a 10-2 vote, the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee endorsed a bill that would prohibit jailing suspects who can’t pay bail on most misdemeanor charges.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Maine should cut use of cash bail
County jails are full of people awaiting trial, mostly for minor offenses.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
District attorney in Lewiston pushes to decriminalize prostitution
Some worry the move might spur more commercial sex in Maine as pimps tell young exploited women ‘you won’t get in trouble because it’s legal in Androscoggin.’
Posted inNation & World
Police reform bill gets new urgency in Congress, but the obstacles are the same
Lawmakers hope the conviction last week of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin could provide the tipping point after decades of failed attempts to overhaul policing tactics.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Bill would seal records of convictions for minor marijuana offenses in Maine
Convictions for minor marijuana possession that is no longer illegal would be sealed from the public and others, and that’s drawing opposition from public access advocates.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: To reopen during pandemic, Maine courts have to adapt
Judges won’t be able meet their historical obligations without accepting some brand-new changes.
Posted inMaine, News, Uncategorized
Governor denies clemency for Maine inmate seeking doctorate
Brandon Brown, serving a 17-year prison sentence for attempted murder, already is the first Maine inmate to receive an advanced degree.
Posted inNation & World
Judge blocks restart of federal executions; administration will appeal
The U.S. district judge’s order came hours before the first lethal injection was scheduled to be carried out at a federal prison in Indiana.