|
For Immediate
Release
4/12/11
Listen
|
Watch
Committee Approves Juvenile Justice
Bills
(HARRISBURG) - The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved legislation
sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) to reform the juvenile justice system and
protect the fundamental rights of kids entering the system.
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
- Prohibit shackling of juveniles in the courtroom
Senator Baker was joined by Senator John Yudichak and Sandy Fonzo, who's son
Edward Kenzakoski was among the juveniles sentenced by Judge Ciavarella. She
shared with the committee her personal story of how this injustice has impacted
her family.
Senator Baker's remarks to the committee follow:
Our justice system is supposed to safeguard rights and protect people. Yet,
because of unimaginable judicial corruption in Luzerne County, we find ourselves
debating ways to protect our kids from abuse at the hands of the juvenile
justice system.
The recent trial of former judge Mark Ciavarella underscored why. This
individual violated his oath of office, trampled constitutional rights,
railroaded kids into detention for the most minor indiscretions, and had
thousands of sentences vacated because of gross misconduct. This same
individual felt vindicated and victorious because the jury convicted him on
twelve very serious counts of racketeering, money laundering, and conspiracy,
but not extortion or bribery. Decent, law-abiding people in our community feel
assaulted again by his actions and demeanor.
Judge John Cleland, who chaired the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile
Justice, declared the corruption "a systematic breakdown in the rule of law."
The Interbranch Commission, through their intensive investigation and
introspection, provided the finest example of public service in my experience.
They produced dozens of well-thought recommendations for reform. Even so, most
people in our area are convinced the requirement for counsel is the cornerstone
of reform, and the surest remedy to ward off wrongdoing. The federal
prosecutors acknowledged that the remedies needed to be done in the Legislature.
The Senate passed a mandatory counsel bill last session. The House of
Representatives did not take it up. Today, the effort begins again. This is a
better bill, because of expert advice from people devoted to quality justice.
Some of the very best individuals in juvenile justice express misgivings
about a mandatory counsel requirement. As we have worked this issue, we deal
constantly with honorable people who see the system at its best. The human
disaster inflicted on Luzerne County is beyond their ability to comprehend.
Those determined to pervert justice, do not share insight into where the system
is vulnerable and how power can be exploited.
Nothing I can say, nothing I can show you, matches the persuasive power of
someone who saw a special life destroyed by a corrupt judge. Sandy Fonzo, who
suffered a heart-breaking tragedy no parent ever should, graciously agreed to
tell her story. She comes here with the purpose of making sure that no child is
ever subjected to severe injustice. And because she has hope, and perhaps
faith, in our capacity and commitment to do what is right and necessary – to
restore the meaning of juvenile justice.
Contact:
Jen Wilson
(570) 675-3931
|
