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For Immediate
Release
2/18/11
Listen
Push Begins Anew For Juvenile Protection
Laws
Senator Lisa Baker has launched the first full-session push for juvenile
justice reform by introducing a series of bills to protect the fundamental
rights of kids entering the system.
"For too many years, the system utterly and completely failed to protect
juveniles in Luzerne County. Now, it is our obligation to approve legislation,
judicial rule changes, and administrative procedures necessary to safeguard the
rights of juveniles, as the state Constitution requires and a commitment to
quality justice dictates," Baker said.
Baker's bills will:
- Eliminate waiving counsel in juvenile delinquency hearings
- Create a victim advocate devoted to juvenile justice
- Require judges to state on the record the reasons behind disposition
orders
- Expedite appellate review of juvenile cases
- Prohibit shackling of juveniles in the courtroom
Baker believes that the wide-raging recommendations of the Interbranch
Commission on Juvenile Justice must be enacted, plus several reforms beyond the
Commission's work. "With the start of a new legislative session, there is ample
time to give reform full consideration, debate, and action. The trial of Judge
Ciavarella is a daily reminder of how the precepts of justice were discarded for
greed, arrogance, and corruption. Public expectations for effective reforms to
be delivered by each branch of state government have never been higher," she
noted.
"Having had the chance to discuss these issues with Chief Justice Ron
Castille, I am encouraged by the concern he expresses and the time he and others
are devoting to developing stronger rules governing the juvenile justice
system," Baker added.
She pointed out that other legislators with expertise in criminal justice
issues are preparing legislation, an indication of the priority the Luzerne
County problem is attracting.
"Whether the protections contained in any of these bills are ultimately
realized through new laws or better court rules or a combination, the most
important thing is that the protections are clearly defined, widely complied
with, and properly enforced," Baker concluded.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Wilson
(570) 675-3931
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