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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJustice Department to Judges: Jailing People Who Can't Pay Fines is Unconstitutional
https://www.colorlines.com/articles/justice-department-judges-jailing-people-who-cant-pay-fines-unconstitutionalToday (March 14) the U.S. Department of Justice charged state judges with the task of tossing out policies that effectively create debtors prisons, filled with poor people who are unable to pay exorbitant fines for minor offenses. These policies are a major part of the governments lawsuit against Ferguson.
The consequences of the criminalization of poverty are not only harmfulthey are far-reaching, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement. They not only affect an individuals ability to support their family, but also contribute to an erosion of our faith in government. One of my top priorities as Attorney General is to help repair community trust where it has frayed, and a key part of that effort includes ensuring that our legal system serves every American faithfully and fairly, regardless of their economic status....
The New York Times reports that the letter is not legally binding, but it effectively clarifies the federal governments position on the issue and provides guidance for state and municipal courts and officials.
The resource package also includes $2.5 million in grants for jurisdictions that want to test new strategies for assessing fines and fees; financial support for the National Task Force on Fines, Fees and Bail Practices; and a collection of studies and other research surrounding the issue.
The consequences of the criminalization of poverty are not only harmfulthey are far-reaching, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement. They not only affect an individuals ability to support their family, but also contribute to an erosion of our faith in government. One of my top priorities as Attorney General is to help repair community trust where it has frayed, and a key part of that effort includes ensuring that our legal system serves every American faithfully and fairly, regardless of their economic status....
The New York Times reports that the letter is not legally binding, but it effectively clarifies the federal governments position on the issue and provides guidance for state and municipal courts and officials.
The resource package also includes $2.5 million in grants for jurisdictions that want to test new strategies for assessing fines and fees; financial support for the National Task Force on Fines, Fees and Bail Practices; and a collection of studies and other research surrounding the issue.
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Justice Department to Judges: Jailing People Who Can't Pay Fines is Unconstitutional (Original Post)
KamaAina
Mar 2016
OP
Love how anything great that happens on Obama's watch is completely ignored here.
bettyellen
Mar 2016
#2
Obsessed with hating the "establishment". This is major, makes me a proud Dem.
bettyellen
Mar 2016
#6
bemildred
(90,061 posts)1. It is indeed. nt
bettyellen
(47,209 posts)2. Love how anything great that happens on Obama's watch is completely ignored here.
Thanks, Du!
malaise
(269,144 posts)4. Good spot
but they are obsessed with primaries
bettyellen
(47,209 posts)6. Obsessed with hating the "establishment". This is major, makes me a proud Dem.
dmr
(28,349 posts)3. This is good to hear because it is fair & just.
I'm sorry, though, to read it's not legally binding. I hope the judges follow through.
Not everyone has to be punished.
Sometimes just a warning is suffice.
Action_Patrol
(845 posts)5. This is great news.
Big difference between can't and won't. Poor people being double and triple burdened with fines when they couldn't pay the first is immoral and disgusting.