In September, Right on Crime noted the work of a Missouri task force studying sentencing reform. The task force recommended, among other things, shortening probation and parole terms and implementing a system of swift and sure sanctions for violations.
The Chief Justice of Missouri’s Supreme Court, Richard Teitelman, last week urged policymakers to consider and pass the changes in his annual State of the Judiciary address. The changes would provide reductions not only in prison populations (which would reduce the need for costly prison construction), but also in up-front state expenditures.
Missouri is fortunate that all three branches of its government are working for comprehensive criminal justice reform. The attention from the chief justice indicates the significance that the issue currently carries in the state.