Supporters say it’s about time. Opponents want to see more research, and say the bill contradicts findings of a recent committee that recommended further study.
criminal justice
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News, Schools & Education
Maine’s only law school asks state for $1 million to reopen criminal law clinic
The University of Maine School of Law is trying to reestablish a criminal justice legal clinic for student attorneys, but funding it could be a roadblock in a tight budget year.
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Posted inMaine, News
Maine lawmakers consider new office to review criminal convictions
The bill’s sponsor says the unit would make sure criminal convictions ‘were arrived at by just means.’
Posted inMaine
Maine’s public defense commission relaxes some of its attorney eligibility rules
In an effort to address the state’s public defense crisis, the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services voted to make it easier for some lawyers to get waivers for their experience and training requirements.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Sister of Portland man convicted of manslaughter says she gave false testimony against him
Chelsey Cardilli’s claim that her brother, Mark Cardilli Jr., made racist statements weren’t key to his conviction in the 2019 death of her boyfriend, Isahak Muse, but they did fuel tensions in the case.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, Politics
Maine lawmakers support sealing past marijuana convictions – but not automatically
The proposal would allow convictions for marijuana cultivation and possession crimes committed prior to legalization to be eligible for sealing by a judge.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News, Politics
For these Maine inmates, parole debate isn’t hypothetical
Some members of the Maine State Prison Debate team are at the heart of stalled legislative efforts to reinstate parole in Maine for the first time in more than 40 years. Many crime victims say the parole process is too traumatizing.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
Augusta man’s commencement from special court program highlights reduced sentences, opportunity to rebuild lives
A robbery charge against Jesse D. Nichols was dismissed this week after he completed the Co-Occurring Disorders Court program, which seeks to treat criminal defendants with substance abuse problems and help them get back on their feet.
Posted inMaine
Changes eyed to strip ‘prisoners’ and ‘inmates’ from Maine’s statute books
Lawmakers aim to replace language considered stigmatizing with gentler alternatives such as ‘resident of a jail.’
Posted inFranklin, News, The Franklin Journal
Emery Community Arts Center hosts exhibit, meetings on mass-incarceration reform and prisoner-advocacy
UMF is hosting a series of Franklin County community action meetings on restorative justice with local law enforcement, organizations, leaders and other state prisoner advocacy and reentry organizations.