With each passing day, Chicago is solidifying its position as the nation's poster city for violence. There have been over 800 shootings this year, a 91% increase. Murder, so far, totals 133 compared to just 77 during the same period in 2015. Police officials, researchers and elected leaders all point the blame at the same issue: Light sentencing and misguided reforms that allow repeat offenders to be released early from prison, "only to wreak havoc on the city."
Illinois is following in the footsteps of California and a several other states, moving toward reforms that reduce or eliminate mandatory minimum sentences in an effort to lower prison populations. If you frequent this blog, you are likely aware of how AB 109 is working out in California (not so well).
If the main concern is about the country's large prison population, then ask how did it get so large. "Prisons today mostly house violent criminals," says Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute. "Populations have increased because violent crimes increased."
Jennifer G. Hickey of Fox News goes more in depth on this issue here.
Illinois is following in the footsteps of California and a several other states, moving toward reforms that reduce or eliminate mandatory minimum sentences in an effort to lower prison populations. If you frequent this blog, you are likely aware of how AB 109 is working out in California (not so well).
If the main concern is about the country's large prison population, then ask how did it get so large. "Prisons today mostly house violent criminals," says Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute. "Populations have increased because violent crimes increased."
Jennifer G. Hickey of Fox News goes more in depth on this issue here.
Leave a comment