Lawyers e-Journal
Thursday, Mar. 24, 2011
Legislative News
MBA testifies on "three-strikes" legislation
On March 16, MBA Past President David White Jr. testified before
the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on behalf of the Massachusetts
Bar Association at an emotionally-charged hearing to restrict
parole for multiple offenders. The bills had a "three-strikes"
provision in common, and would lead to harsh, mandatory sentences
for repeat offenders regardless of whether or not the felony
committed was violent. White urged the committee to not let
sympathy for victims overwhelm the important legislative
process.
White asked the committee to take a comprehensive look at
sentencing reform, and to place more emphasis on education and
prevention, particularly as to drug crimes which do not involve
violence.