Help us pass criminal justice reforms! President Donald Trump recently voiced his support for a bipartisan criminal justice bill, a revised First Step Act that would provide sentencing and prison reforms. The First Step Act would curb mandatory minimums for many low-level drug crimes, providing judges with more discretion over individual cases. The bill also aims to eliminate the…
With more than 2 million men and women held in U.S. jails and prisons, the need for criminal justice reform has become evident. But legislators disagree on what these reforms should look like. Some believe tough sentencing tactics — like mandatory minimums — must continue to keep communities safe. Many are driven by a desire…
In recent years, many celebrities have used their platforms to highlight flaws in the criminal justice system. The light shed on these important issues has encouraged others to pay more attention to and advocate for legislation that focuses on sentencing and reentry reforms within the criminal justice system. Celebrities have historically played a large role in highlighting injustice, including…
The MCC U.S. Washington Office celebrates 50 years! This summer, our office will celebrate 50 years since its founding in 1968. This spring’s special edition of our print newsletter takes a look back at the Washington Office’s work over the past 50 years. Read it here or download the PDF version. Join us Tuesday, July 17 as we celebrate…
n President Trump’s first State of the Union address, many priorities and goals were mentioned. Advocates for criminal justice reform were not left out of this conversation. Trump stated that his administration would focus on reforming prisons to ensure that returning citizens have access to second chances. For several years, presidential administrations and Congress have mentioned the need…
Addressing gun violence On February 14, a 19-year-old gunman killed seventeen students at a Florida high school with an AR-15 assault rifle. This tragedy, like many others, has led to renewed discussions about federal gun laws. President Trump and others have suggested arming teachers and school officials with weapons. After receiving a backlash from students at…
Dreamers, border walls and the budget To keep the government running past Thursday, Congress will need to find agreement on several issues including how to protect nearly 700,000 immigrants known as “Dreamers” from deportation. To end a government shutdown last month, Senate leaders promised to allow a vote on Dreamer legislation by February 8. A White House proposalincludes…
