Date: April 23, 2019
Action Alert To All League Members and Oregonians
From: Karen Nibler, Social Policy Coordinator, Barbara Ross, Corrections Portfolio, and
Norman Turrill, LWVOR President
SHOULD JUVENILES BE CHARGED AND SENTENCED IN ADULT COURT?
Justice prevails!! SB 1008 changes the criminal code to keep juveniles charged with criminal offenses in the realm of the Juvenile Court except for waiver hearings on serious person to person offenses. It also does not allow for sentences of life without parole for youth who commit offenses before 18. Second Look after half of sentence is served and/or Transfer to the Department of Corrections will have hearings and can result in parole release.
We all recognize that juveniles are impulsive and react quickly without thinking through the consequences. This bill takes into consideration immaturity and other factors in the life of a juvenile when sentenced for a serious offense. We think it is wise to consider the factors influencing juvenile behavior and the potential for learning and rehabilitation.
The Senate has already passed this bill 20 to 10 votes. Please contact your representative in the House. The House Judiciary will hear this bill on April 24 and most likely will send it to the House floor for a vote. It has to have a 2/3 vote to pass and change the law, as required by the Measure 11 constitutional amendment. Reaching all representatives is critical to let them know we want to keep juveniles in the Juvenile system.
Please e-mail or call your representative. Contact info is on the Oregon Legislative System. Thank you for adding your voice!
For more information, contact Karen Nibler at niblerk@comcast.net or Barbara Ross at bross7017@gmail.com. Both of them would be happy to exchange comments.
League of Women Voters of the Umpqua Valley 