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gle21ahsgov · 5 years ago

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Legislative and Executive Action

Legislative Action:

H.R. 8196: Protect Black Women and Girls Act of 2020

Introduced on September 11, 2020. Originated in House of Representatives & has not passed committees yet.

The goal of this law will be to examine the conditions of Black lives, especially those of women and girls. It will consider the racial disparities in our juvenile justice system, and ways to improve our institutions.

This bill is mostly sponsored by Democrats, but there are a couple of Republicans that support it. I think it will pass the committees and the House, but it will need to rack up more support from Republicans if it is to pass the Senate.

It was assigned to the Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Judiciary committees.

I would definitely encourage a “yes” vote because this bill covers a wide range of issues (as shown by the number of committees involved) relating to race, including criminal/juvenile justice, education, and economics.

Executive Action:

Department of Justice

Mission Statement: To enforce/defend the law of the U.S. Ensure public safety & prevent/control/punish crime. Uphold justice for all Americans.

(it generally relates to juvenile justice through preventing/controlling crime)

Our Attorney General, or Secretary of the DOJ is William Barr. He is definitely qualified to lead this department--not only does he have a J.D. from law school, he has also served in the CIA, and as an Attorney General under Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton. With all of his experience, he should be making comprehensive decisions and upholding justice for the United States.

I cannot find ONE program that directly targets improving our juvenile justice system, but there are programs that indirectly affect it including Project Safe Childhood (sexual abuse during childhood), Hate Crimes, and Operation Legend (fighting recent surge in violent crimes).

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gle21ahsgov · 5 years ago

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California Proposition Assessment

Proposition 57 of the 2016 Election: Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements

Summary:

Proposition 57 allows consideration of parole for felons admitted for non-violent crimes. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will be responsible for implementing these new parole provisions while maintaining public safety.

Relation to Juvenile Justice: Proposition 57 also empowers juvenile court judges to decide whether to sentence juveniles, 14 and older, as adults rather than prosecutors.

Fiscal Impact: According to the ballot, Proposition 57 would overall save millions of dollars due to prison population reductions, and would have some costs in counties because they need to implement those new provisions.

Election Results: Proposition 57 passed. I am not surprised because overall, the proposition is easy to read and understand, and supports reductions in the prison populations and a fairer judgment for juveniles.

Proposition Sponsors: I am a little surprised that it was the governor himself who wrote the proposition, but overall, the sponsors (or those who support it) are from the Democratic party, along with law enforcement and probation officers and others who generally believe in human rights.

Pro Arguments:

Makes sure that felons who committed violent crimes still remain locked up or maintains public safety overall

Still saves millions of tax dollars by reducing the prison population

Motivates prisoners through a system of credits and parole consideration for good behavior

Gives minors a better chance at rehabilitation through a fairer court trial

Con Arguments:

Would allow rapists and sex offenders early release from prison

Would increase crime rates

Would force victims to relive their experiences during parole hearings or overturn victims’ rights

How I Would Have Voted: I would have voted yes. Not only would I have been supporting a fairer trial for juveniles, but also supporting the reduction of our prison population, (which is already HUGE and very EXPENSIVE) hopefully, in a safe manner.

Fun Fact: It cost almost 5 million dollars to get enough signatures to put Proposition 57 on the California election ballot.

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gle21ahsgov · 5 years ago

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Political Interest Groups and PACs Assessment

Center for Children’s Law and Policy - Position

The CCLP’s mission is to eliminate racial disparities within our juvenile justice system, reduce youth incarceration overall, and end bad practices within said facilities.

Creates/Offers training programs to educate law enforcement, judges, government officials, etc. how to stop unnecessary incarcerations and improve prison conditions

Write manuals and books

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Reduction Practice Manual

Juvenile Detention Facility Assessment Standards

Collab with other interest groups to lead national campaigns like “Stop Solitary for Kids”

Works with juvenile facilities and medical/mental health experts to assess the conditions within and enforce PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) standards

Created the “Graduated Response Toolkit” to reduce youth incarceration by having levels of probation and surveillance rather than straight to detention facilities

what this group believes, what legislative changes it promotes, and how it seeks to influence politicians and the public. List five important pieces of information which gives a picture of what this interest group advocates for in terms of your civic action issue

Current Policy/Focus: National Campaign called “Stop Solitary for Kids” to end solitary confinement within our juvenile justice system

Opportunities: Internships and jobs for law students interested in juvenile justice; Based in: Washington D.C.

Cops & Kids Together - Position

Their mission is to keep young people safe in school, utilizing the police force.

Money Raised: $505,729; Money Spent: $35,000

Independent Expenditures: Entire budget ($35,000) spent for a Republican candidate; This does make sense because the Republican party’s stance for kids and our justice system is generally “law and order,” or maintaining order using force.

Donors: Most of their major donators are retired folks like Christine Kohr and Brenda Swallow and older people tend to have families and are more likely to be Republicans.

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gle21ahsgov · 5 years ago

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Election 2020 Presidential Candidates Assessment

Republican - Trump & Pence

Assessment: President’s Trump website did not address the juvenile justice system so I contacted his campaign team.

Message: The issue I am concerned about is our juvenile justice system. I noticed that this issue was not addressed in the law and justice accomplishments section. I am concerned about this because I believe that teenagers don't deserve to be treated like adults in the criminal justice system. I believe they deserve a true second chance. I am currently a senior at Acalanes High School and I am researching this issue for my senior Government class. Can you clarify your stance on this issue and--if you consider this an issue--how you plan to address it in the future? Thank you so much for your time.

Comparison to Party Platform: The Republican party platform also did not mention reforming our juvenile justice system so I can’t say I’m surprised that President Trump’s website did not address it either.

Democratic - Biden & Harris

Assessment:

Recognizes that juvenile “delinquents” are just traumatized kids that need love and support

Free community college education (better education => less incarceration)

Invest in not incarcerating at same level as adults

Create support programs like mentoring/counseling

Protect juvenile records

Reflection: First, THANK YOU DEMOCRATS for being the only candidates to address youth incarceration! I do believe that so-called juvenile “delinquents” need counseling and unconditional love and support so they can grow up properly. I do question where Biden will get all that money to “invest” in programs and provide FREE community college education for kids.

Comparison to Party Platform: Just like their party platform, Biden and Harris also addressed juvenile justice on their website with similar mandates and propositions.

Libertarian - Jorgensen & Cohen

Assessment: Jorgensen’s website did not address the juvenile justice system so I contacted her campaign team.

Message: The issue I am concerned about is our juvenile justice system. I noticed that this issue was not addressed in your section for criminal justice reform measures. I am concerned about this because I believe that teenagers don't deserve to be treated like adults in the criminal justice system. I believe they deserve a true second chance. I am currently a senior at Acalanes High School and I am researching this issue for my senior Government class. Can you clarify your stance on this issue and--if you consider this an issue--how you plan to address it in the future? Thank you so much for your time.

Comparison to Party Platform: Both the party platform and their campaign website did not address youth incarceration.

Green - Hawkins & Walker

Assessment: Hawkins’s website did not address the juvenile justice system so I contacted his campaign team.

Message: The issue I am concerned about is our juvenile justice system. I noticed that this issue was not addressed in your section for criminal and civil justice nor your policy papers. I am concerned about this because I believe that teenagers don't deserve to be treated like adults in the criminal justice system. I believe they deserve a true second chance. I am currently a senior at Acalanes High School and I am researching this issue for my senior Government class. Can you clarify your stance on this issue and--if you consider this an issue--how you plan to address it in the future? Thank you so much for your time.

Comparison to Party Platform: Their party platform barely mentioned juvenile justice, so I’m not surprised that they have no plans to address the issue on their campaign website either.

Peace and Freedom - La Riva & Freeman

Assessment: La Riva’s website did not address the juvenile justice system so I contacted her campaign team.

Message: The issue I am concerned about is our juvenile justice system. I noticed that this issue was not addressed in your ten-point campaign program. I am concerned about this because I believe that teenagers don't deserve to be treated like adults in the criminal justice system. I believe they deserve a true second chance. I am currently a senior at Acalanes High School and I am researching this issue for my senior Government class. Can you clarify your stance on this issue and--if you consider this an issue--how you plan to address it in the future? Thank you so much for your time.

Reflection: I briefly read through their ten-point program. For me, their ideas felt very radical.

Comparison to Party Platform: La Riva and Freeman did not mention juvenile justice or reeducation for youth at all on their campaign website. I felt a little disappointed since they were the only other party platform (other than Democrats I mean) that at least discussed the correlation between a lack of education and youth incarceration, yet they did not address the issue in their campaign plans.

American Independent - La Fuente & West

Assessment: La Fuente’s website did not address the juvenile justice system so I contacted his campaign team.

Message: The issue I am concerned about is our juvenile justice system. I noticed that you did not address this in your issues section. I am concerned about this because I believe that teenagers don't deserve to be treated like adults in the criminal justice system. I believe they deserve a true second chance. I am currently a senior at Acalanes High School and I am researching this issue for my senior Government class. Can you clarify your stance on this issue and--if you consider this an issue--how you plan to address it in the future? Thank you so much for your time.

Reflection: In the education section, La Fuente mentioned that poverty leads to less education and thus, less success in life. He still did not address juvenile justice directly.

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gle21ahsgov · 5 years ago

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Political Party Action

Republican Party Statement:

Republicans hold a strong stance on law and order. They believe that the police as a whole should be respected in their work of protecting the community. Republicans don’t appreciate the backlash and questioning of police actions during dangerous situations. That being said, they also believe that the country has too many criminal offenses and nonviolent offenders should be sent to accountability court and rehab programs (drugs, trauma, etc.). They did not mention juvenile justice at all; they only said that children with criminal parents should get supported rather than looked down on.

Unless police’s actions are intentional harmful against criminals that are unarmed, I do believe that re-questioning police’s actions in dangerous circumstances is kind of insulting. I do realize that there are definitely racial issues, but police are humans too. In general, they do their best to protect our community but they’re also scared for their life. I am disappointed that Republicans did not even mention how juveniles should be treated differently.

Democrat Party Statement:

The Democrat Party directly addresses their beliefs on youth incarceration. They believe that instead of sending children/teenagers to prison, they should get help through detention centers and after-school programs to help improve their lives. They believe that juvenile records (for crime) should be erased so they can get a true second chance without barriers and judgment.

I agree. I think that most teenagers criminals simply need help and education to learn from their mistakes. They should not be thrown in prison. They deserve a second chance.

Libertarian Party Statement:

The Libertarian Party did not explicitly address their stance on youth incarceration. For crime in general, Libertarians believe that actions should be considered “crime” if there is a victim involved, in other words, someone endangered by that person’s actions. They believe drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes, gambling, and prostitution should be legalized.

For me, their policy seems a little ideal; there’s a lot of gray area in their statement. For instance, do they believe graffiti and the damage it can cause to businesses should be legalized? Also, people on drugs roaming the streets can also be dangerous. If a man on drugs randomly runs across a street or highway and a driver swerves to avoid the man and becomes seriously injured, will there be no punishment for the man’s lack of concern for others? Is that just?

Green Party Statement:

The Green Party believes that prisons should be a last resort and limited to violent criminals. They want to focus on reducing recidivism by helping non-violent prisoners get the help they need to re-integrate into society. They want police to carry around insurance for when they act violently and get complaints, their insurance gets more expensive. They also mentioned that juveniles should not be treated same as adults and that we should get them more individualized help and educate them to improve.

The insurance idea (for me) sounds ridiculous because the police are supposed to be serving the community. Their ideas on helping non-violent offenders reintegrate definitely make sense though.

Peace and Freedom Party Statement:

The Peace and Freedom Party recognizes that because funding for schools in rich and poor neighborhoods are unequal, this different emphases on education will perpetuate more crime in the poorer neighborhoods. They believe that prisons should be more like rehab centers rather than isolation. They also mentioned that juveniles should be treated differently than adults.

I definitely agree. There is much more crime in poorer neighborhoods, which could negatively affect how children will grow up/behave. By providing better education and more humane treatment, there would likely be less crime or recidivism overall.

Reflection:

It seems that youth incarceration is a smaller issue because it always seems to fall under criminal justice and is rarely discussed in detail. Most parties only give a statement that juveniles should be treated differently. I’m leaning towards the Democrats and Peace and Freedom parties because the Democrats seem to have an overall plan for how juveniles should be treated while the Peace and Freedom party have a larger plan to help educate poorer neighborhoods as a whole.

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gle21ahsgov · 5 years ago

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Media Assessment of Issue

Articles

Objective Article: “Trump and 2020 Democrats brand themselves criminal justice reformers” (https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1ZQ14K)

Liberal Biased: “ Trump’s criminal justice policy, explained” (https://www.vox.com/2020-presidential-election/21418911/donald-trump-crime-criminal-justice-policy-record)

Conservative Biased: “Trump Urges Us to Reflect on Prisoners and Redemption” (https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/04/president-trump-second-chance-month-redemption-for-prisoners/)

SACAP Analysis

a) Reuters Article

Subject:

Hunnicutt and Bernstein describe how President Trump has helped reform criminal justice and present the Democratic candidates’ views on how they would address the issue.

Author(s):

Trevor Hunnicutt ~> reporter at Reuters

Mostly writes about investment news and some politics

Pomona College alumni; offered him journalism internship opportunities

Sharon Bernstein ~> reporter at Reuters

Generally writes about California policies and politics

Former reporter/editor for the Los Angeles Times (liberal-leaning)

Even though Bernstein wrote for a liberal leaning source in the past, this does not majorly influence the more objective news source and articles she must publish now. Overall, both authors seem credible, so the article should provide pretty accurate information.

Context:

Reuters ~> known for accuracy and impartiality (est. 165 years ago)

One BILLION readers worldwide every day (through broadcasts, television, newspaper, etc.)

Article published on January 27, 2020

Since the article is from Reuters, the article SHOULD present both the liberal and conservative views of the topic fairly, and the news should still be relevant because it was published pretty recently.

Audience:

Largest international news provider

Reaches 115 countries in 16 different languages

Reuters must deliver relatively unbiased news because there are millions of active readers. It has an established reputation and readers.

Perspective: Objective.

Trump ~ First Step Act (reducing prison sentences especially for drug use, more rehab programs, second chance out in the world thru good behavior)

criticized for not managing local police

Biden ~ wants to eliminate prison sentences for drug use entirely

Wants to eliminate private prisons and cash bail

Change so youth cannot receive same charges as adults

Warren ~> increase availability of social services to take care of youth

Wants to rely on counselors and teachers to help reform youth rather than police and prison sentences

Buttigieg ~> wants to invest $100 million into support services for youth instead of youth prisons

I agree with all perspectives considering youth incarceration reform. Both Democrats or Republicans seem to have similar thoughts of eliminating prison sentences related to drug use and changing to support services and rehab programs to help support youth rather than simply throwing them in jail.

b) Vox Article

Subject:

In his “explanation” of Trump’s policies, Lopez emphasizes on the failures in Trump’s “tough on crime” policy and clearly diminishes Trump’s role in the First Step Act, mentioning it as an “outlier” to his regular policies. By doing so, Lopez paints President Trump in a bad light, influencing readers against his policies.

Author(s):

German Lopez ~> Senior Correspondent for Vox

Mostly writes about criminal justice and public health

Univ. of Cincinnati alumni; degree in journalism

Wrote for City Beat Cincinnati (somewhat liberal newspaper)

He lives in Washington D.C. with his husband

Lopez is accustomed to writing more liberal articles, with his background in Cincinnati and now writing for Vox. As a result, the article is filled with liberal bias, undermining Trump’s beliefs and policies under the guise of “explanation.”

Context:

Vox ~> only established 6 years ago

Very liberally-biased

September 11, 2020

Vox has only existed for a mere 6 years compared to Reuters 165. As a result, it does not have an established reputation as a news source, so its articles ends up skewing left rather than remaining strongly unbiased. This gives Lopez the chance to attack and undermine Trump’s policies in his article. However, it is published recently so the information is relevant.

Audience:

More liberal audience

38% of audience age 18 to 34 (making $100K+)

Since the audience is also more liberal, they are more willing to accept liberally-biased articles, which allows Lopez to write (and Vox to publish) a more subjective piece.

Perspective: Liberally biased.

Trump’s failures in the “tough on crime” policy

Supposedly wants harsher punishment for crimes (esp. drug-related)

Author calls the First Step Act an outlier and considers it more of Congress’s doing than Trump’s

Lack of control over police brutality and mass incarceration issues

Ends investigations into police misconduct

Support for capital punishment

According to author ~> Trump is simply doing whatever he can to get reelected

Hence ~> law and order tweets and tough on crime

I kind of disagree because the author completely undermines what Trump HAS done to reduce prison sentences, especially in relation to drug crimes. Apart from the First Step Act, Lopez does not really present the conservative side at all; he only criticizes the issues in Trump’s policies.

c) National Review Article

Subject:

Robinson first discusses facts related to issues regarding imprisonment, including the number of people in prison and the economic burden of keeping people in prison. Then, Robinson discusses Trump’s belief of BOTH holding people accountable and still giving people second chances or opportunities, especially for young people.

Author(s):

Gerard Robinson ~> Executive director for Center for Advancing Opportunities (CAO)

former Secretary of Education for Virginia

former Florida Education Commissioner

former President of the Black Alliance for Educational Options

Education, criminal justice, economics, and legislation expert

Republican

Robinson does not seem like normal reporter for National Review. This piece is likely a one-time article that he published, but he is rounded in all areas from education to criminal justice to help create education opportunities for fellow black children. He is Republican so it makes sense that he published his article on National Review, a conservative leaning source, and in his article, he praises Trump’s efforts in reforming criminal justice, for youth and adults.

Context:

National Review ~> established 65 years ago

conservative editorial magazine (news and commentaries)

Published on April 18, 2018

National Review articles tends to skew to the right, so the magazine allows Robinson to approve of Republican President Trump’s policies rather than attacking them in his article. Although the article was published two years ago, it should still be pretty relevant since change in politics happens quite slowly.

Audience:

Since the National Review is a conservative magazine, its readers also tend to be more conservative, so they support the policies and bias that they read from this magazine and article.

Perspective: Conservatively biased.

April 2018 ~ Second Chance Month

Trump wants to reform prisons to give inmates a second chance

“Affording those who have been held accountable for their crimes an opportunity to become contributing members of society is a critical element of criminal justice that can reduce our crime rates and prison populations.”

Offering apprenticeship programs and prison education programs

Second Chance Pell Grant

I support Trump’s idea of accountability and opportunity. We do want people to learn from their mistakes and crimes, but that does not mean staying in prison forever. Not only is it expensive, but to me at least, that isn’t what I would consider as a “second chance.” So I believe in the apprenticeship programs and support services so high school and college kids can truly get that second chance out in the world; they still have the opportunity to learn and grow.

Similarities/Differences Between Articles

In the Reuters article, the different perspectives regarding criminal justice (and youth) were clearly presented with minimal to no commentary. As a liberal leaning news source, the Vox article attacks Trump’s current ideas such as “tough on crime” and his lack of federal action against police brutality while ignoring/undermining his legal actions like the First Step Act. The National Review article addresses the same “tough on crime” policy in a different light—Americans must be held accountable for their actions BUT through the First Step Act and apprenticeship programs and the Second Chance Pell Grant for youth, they still get a second chance at LIFE rather than wasting away in prison.

My Perspective

Without considering his moral character, I do believe that President Trump has done some useful things for this country. I feel a little more inclined to believe in his policies because he is already president and he is ACTIVELY working to help resolve said issues in criminal justice and getting youth out of prison and the support they need. Since the Democrats are only words and promises right now, I think I should wait to see how they will ACTUALLY handle the issue when they become president.

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