Criminal Justice Reform
The term "Equal justice for all" was written in our Constitution over 242 years ago. However, the justice system has failed to uphold our nation's promise; specifically as it relates to people of color. Therefore, it is time to treat structural racism with the necessity it deserves and create a justice system that works equally for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion and creed.
Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “all are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.” However, history has shown that an unfair and unjust system constantly impacts minorities. Clint Sobratti believes that reforming the justice system to be more inclusive of laws that protect the rights of minorities is long overdue. Additionally, the political climate of our country, particularly as it relates to the massive protest throughout some of our major cities, indicates that people are demanding change and want to see more accountability and equality within our justice system.
America the “Land of the Free.” However, here in America, people are imprisoned at a higher rate than in any other country in the world. Statistics show that incarceration and recidivism rates are incredibly high for black and brown males and that our prisons are overcrowded and unsafe. Therefore, our criminal justice system fails to rehabilitate and there are alarming allegations of inhumane living conditions. In efforts to address this matter and help inmates get their lives back on track, I will work with other elected officials and organizations and will fight relentlessly to pass legislation that strengthens both human and civil rights laws. And that advances comprehensive criminal justice reform. Additionally, Clint Sobratti will advocate to expand substance abuse and mental health programs for non-violent crimes as an alternative to incarceration and he will promote educational and career training to help prepare individuals with criminal backgrounds for reentry into society.
When Clint is in Annapolis, he will:
- Decriminalize the use of cannabis and automatically expunge certain prior convictions.
- Reform the cash bail system and end mass incarceration – “criminalization of poverty.”
- Prison, Juvenile and Sentencing Reform.
- Voting Rights and Enfranchisement.
- Ensure returning citizens can reenter society with access to adequate resources and support.
- Redemption and Rehabilitation— second chance program
- Invest in Educational opportunity
- Major Reform to the Police Department, adapt guardian culture over warrior culture.
- Eliminate pretextual stops
- Implement a CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets) crisis intervention program.
- Re-examine and Reimagine the judicial unanimous jury pool decision.
Many Marylanders depend on our transportation system; therefore, it is a necessity that we must continue to invest into. Traffic congestion has proven to be the number one complaint amongst commuters that it takes too long to get to their desired destination. Therefore, we must invest in our transit infrastructure that will improve the quality of life for families. First, we must start by creating bus-only lanes, which will alleviate traffic flow and help reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, We can develop a robust rail network to give commuters more options, reduce the amount of carbon emission that pollutes the air quality. Marylanders increasingly prefer to live within communities where it is easily accessible to bike or walk to they’re desired locations.
The State of Maryland has some of the wealthiest and most diverse counties in the country. We need leaders who will reflect the fabric of our community and continuously fight for equal opportunities for working families.