Pennsylvania is in the midst of a mass incarceration crisis.
With 96,000 people behind bars, Pennsylvania has the highest incarceration rate in the Northeast.
When factoring in people who are on probation or parole, Pennsylvania has the second highest rate of incarceration in the country.
This presentation will detail the history of the huge increase in incarceration rates in the past 40 years. It will detail the harm done to society, and what needs to be done to reverse the current incarceration rate.
Our agenda includes discussions on:
Why we should reduce the prison population
Sentencing reform
Elimination of mandatory sentences
Compassionate releases
Parole and probation reform
Ending capital punishment
Drugs as an illness and not a crime
How to make re-entries successful
Treatment in prisons and solitary confinement
Fines and fees
Ending prison slavery
Employment & housing discrimination
Collateral consequences of taking a plea
How New Jersey has mostly eliminated cash bail
Review of steps to be taken
Time for Q&A
You will hear from:
Robert Lankin, Esq.,
A long-time member of the PA Bar Association Corrections Committee and a four decade long prison volunteer
The Honorable Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey
New Jersey has been a leading jurisdiction in vastly reducing incarceration for those awaiting trial. By virtually ending cash bail for arrested persons, thousands of people have been able to sign for their own release. Chief Justice Rabner was in the center of the efforts to make this happen. He will share the results.
Kevin Ring, Esq., Families Against Mandatory Minimums
FAMM’s mission is to create a more fair and effective justice system that respects our American values of individual accountability and dignity while keeping our communities safe.
Nyssa Taylor, Esq. ACLU Philadelphia
Nyssa Taylor with the ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice: Parole and Probation Reform
Reuben Jones, MHS Frontline Dads Inc.
The mission of Frontline Dads is to facilitate the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and cultural development of African American men and “at-risk” youth by providing transformative programming that will empower them to assume leadership positions in their families, and communities.
Recorded in May 2021.