A coalition of teens, parents, elected officials, advocates, and more rallied in Harlem Thursday in unified appeal to prioritize two youth justice bills.
Dubbed the #Right2RemainSilent bill and The Youth Justice and Opportunities Act, the legislation looks to alter proceedings and expand judicial discretion for young people facing criminal charges. The #Right2RemainSilent aims to codify legal counsel for adolescents prior to being interviewed by police. Additionally, a parent must be notified prior to the offender being taken to the precinct.
“We can have no future without justice and without opportunity. Do not talk to me about young people being our future. I don’t want kind words. I don’t want posters. I don’t want Tweets. I want action! We must pass the bill and we must do it next session,” Brooklyn state Senator Zellnor Myrie charged during a demonstration outside the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building.
“Too often, our unfair criminal justice system imposes penalties on young people that are far harsher than they deserve. Even when we know the punishment does not fit the crime, restrictive guidelines prevent us from putting youthful offenders on a path to greater stability. On this, New York’s laws are unjust, and out of touch.
In addition, the Youth Justice and Opportunities Act will develop a “Young Adult” status, protecting ages 19-25 with the argument that a young person’s critical thinking and decision making continues to develop into a person’s mid-20s. It will also expand judicial discretion to grant Youthful Offender status, including granting this option more than once and increasing the categories of cases where this status is mandatory rather than discretionary.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Young Is Too Young to Lace Up for a Marathon?After a 6-year-old ran the Flying Pig Marathon this spring, a new paper looks at the available research and makes recommendations for parents.
Read more »
NFL 2022, Week 15: Seahawks face must-win vs. 49ers on ‘Thursday Night Football’The Seahawks’ playoff hopes are fading fast, and they must beat their rivals to avoid those chances from further dwindling.
Read more »
DC Preps For Freezing Rain During Thursday Morning CommuteThere's freezing rain in the forecast for Thursday, and that means it's time for hot mix!
Read more »
Strong To Severe Storms Likely Wednesday Afternoon Into Early Thursday - Alabama NewsWe’re designating Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning as a CODE RED day! We expect storms to develop ahead and along a strong cold front plowing into the deep south. The main threats will be damaging winds up to 60 mph, a few tornadoes, and heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding. Rainfall potential will range between 1 to 3 inches. Everyone...
Read more »