The Politics of Justice: Comprehensive Criminal Justice Reform in Massachusetts
Saturday, March 25, 12:45-5:00 p.m.
First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington
630 Mass. Ave. in Arlington Center
Preregister at http://tinyurl.com/hf43b6v
Everyone agrees that the criminal justice system should be fair and effective, but how do we get there from here? Come learn about key bills that were recently filed at the State House and would contribute to truly comprehensive criminal justice reform. After a panel, panelists and participants will talk in smaller groups about how to move forward on the bills that most interest them.
Speakers include:
+ Sen. Will Brownsberger on the Council of State Governments omnibus bill
+ Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan on restorative justice
+ Idris Abdullah of Teens Leading the Way on juvenile justice
+ Sen. Ken Donnelly on mental health issues and pretrial reform
+ Cassandra Bensahih of Jobs Not Jails on the Justice Reinvestment Act
+ Rahsaan Hall of the ACLU‑MA’s Racial Justice Program on the racial implications of this season’s proposed legislation.
There will be also time for networking and action opportunities, and Bill Gardiner, Colleen Kirby and Rep. Dave Rogers will offer an optional 30-minute workshop on interacting effectively with legislators.
This forum is organized by the Mass Incarceration Working Group and co-sponsored by 25 organizations. Questions? Email end-mass-incarceration@firstparish.info