Monthly Archives: December 2011

California to End Funding of Child Prisons: A Window of Opportunity

In 1989, California was spending $600 million to supervise the 23,000 children under the control of California Youth Authority (CYA).  Two thirds of those children were taken from the home and placed in a variety of scenarios, from group homes … Continue reading

Posted in prison economics, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Judge Imprisons Mom For… Not Checking the “Felony” Box

In America, the sentence never ends.  With a multitude of “collateral consequences” to face, there are many reasons for one to either lie about their criminal history or try to avoid it.  In reality, for one to develop an upstanding … Continue reading

Posted in Courts, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

My First Semester in Law School: Not What You Thought.

As my first semester of law school comes to a close, I can’t help but step back from my typical public policy commentary and reflect upon what has been the most action-packed four months of my life.  As someone once … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

What is the Cost of Firing Someone With a Criminal Record?

Can the government fire employees after the media highlights their criminal records?  They may, but it may come with a cost.  The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) allowed three people into their training program who had records, and all … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary, Rehabilitation | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments