Most people in prison eventually return to society. The question is: what kind of people do we want them to be when they do? This piece — part personal account, part policy critique — explores how truth-in-sentencing laws strip away the very incentives that help people change. Through the story of one man who turned his life around because he had the chance, it makes a powerful case: longer sentences may feel tough, but they often leave us all worse off — less safe, and with more lost potential.
John Leverso is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati; he knows the issue intimately and he shares what he’s learned here in this commentary provided to The Conversation.It’s worth also noting, the North Dakota legislature is debating this very topic right now with SB 2128 working it’s way through the bill making process.
SB 2128
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 12-44.1-01, 12-48.1-01, 12-48.1-02, 12-54.1-01, 12-54.1-03, 12.1-08-02, 12.1-17-01, 12.1-32-02.1, 12.1-32-09.1, and 39-10-71 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to transparent sentencing of criminal offenders, work release eligibility and conditions for criminal offenders, sentences for assaulting and fleeing from law enforcement officers, and sentences for preventing arrest; to provide a legislative management report; and to provide a penalty.
House Sponsors:
Senate Sponsors:
