Louisiana could benefit considerably from changes to the way in which convicted criminals are sentenced. Under the current determinate sentencing scheme, nonviolent offenders who pose little or no threat to society are routinely sentenced to long and costly terms in prison with no opportunity for parole, probation or suspension of sentence. Sentencing reforms could include reducing the length of mandatory minimum prison sentences for nonviolent offenses, expanding parole eligibility for certain nonviolent offenses, and limiting the scope of the habitual offender law's application.
Protecting Trafficking Victims from Prosecution: Redefining Duress
Human trafficking survivors in the State of Texas deserve justice. Existing legal protections for victims is inadequate. Amending the existing definition of duress in Texas statute will enable victims to escape unjust prosecution, better steward state resources, and hold true perpetrators accountable.” Key points: Many victims of human trafficking are prosecuted for crimes occurred while...