The Sentencing Project recently put out a new report on the ever-increasing length of time served by parolable lifers, even when they get released.
The report surveys practices in many states, including Michigan, and contains recommendations for:
— reducing the minimum number of years lifers must serve,
— depoliticizing the parole process,
— basing release decisions only on credible risk assessments,
— establishing a presumption of release when people become eligible and
— making the decision-making process fairer and more transparent.
Many of these recommendations have direct relevance for Michigan.
Barbera Levine of CAPPS will participated in a webinar this Thursday, February 9 by the Sentencing Project to discuss the report’s findings and ways in which the recommendations can be implemented. The Sentencing Project held a discussion on state and federal practices and policies that contribute to the country’s growing lifer population. The webinar highlighted findings from the new report, and featured advocates in various states fighting to give rehabilitated individuals serving life with parole a meaningful opportunity for release from prison.
Webinar: Reviving Parole on Life Sentences
Thursday, February 9, 2pm ET
Presenters:
Nazgol Ghandnoosh, Ph.D., The Sentencing Project
Mujahid Farid, Release Aging People in Prison (RAPP) (New York)
Barbara Levine, Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending (CAPPS) (Michigan)
Heidi Rummel, University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Click here to view the webinar
The Sentencing Project works for a fair and effective U.S. justice system by promoting reforms in sentencing policy, addressing unjust racial disparities and practices, and advocating for alternatives to incarceration.