07 Apr 2017
By cmmcduffie

PRESS RELEASE: McDuffie’s Landmark Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Reform Becomes Law As Congressional Review Period Passes

Media Advisory, , , ,
Among its many provisions, this new law ends the use of solitary confinement on children; restores judicial discretion for sentencing juveniles; and ensures children age-appropriate confinement Washington, DC – Earlier this week, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie’s Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016 became official law. Introduced in April 2016 by Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, then-Chairperson of the Committee on the Judiciary, and six of his colleagues, and passed by the full council – unanimously – in October, the law makes landmark reforms to the District of Columbia’s juvenile justice system. “This law makes D.C. safer,” McDuffie said “by changing…
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25 Oct 2016
By cmmcduffie

D.C. Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act

Media Advisory,
Building a Model Juvenile Justice System in the District of Columbia The “Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016” makes sweeping reforms to the District of Columbia’s juvenile justice system. This legislation was passed unanimously by the D.C. Council in fall 2016 and became D.C. law #21-0238 in April 2017. It is fitting that this legislation was coming before the Council in October 2016, which President Obama has declared National Youth Justice Awareness month. Just as President Obama said in his proclamation: Too often in America, young people are not afforded a second chance after having made a mistake or…
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05 Oct 2016
By cmmcduffie

McDuffie’s Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Bill Advances to the Full Council

Media Advisory,
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary voted unanimously to send the “Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016” to the full Council for the first of two votes. Introduced in April by Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Chairperson of the Committee, and six of his colleagues, the bill makes landmark reforms to the District of Columbia’s juvenile justice system. “This innovative legislation will help keep our children out of the justice system, reduce overincarceration, ensure age-appropriate sentencing, improve conditions of confinement, and expand oversight. Giving young people a meaningful opportunity for rehabilitation not only improves their lives,…
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