The Political Dynamics of Justice Reform in The U.S.

acially disparate, and do not acknowledge the War on Drugs as "the new Jim Crow."
Instead, "blue racism," or discrimination against law enforcement is seen as
existing. Policing is viewed as a colorblind process that has no consideration for the
race of offenders. Right wing media outlets frequently fight the notion of racially
disparate policing that groups such as Black Lives Matter and Campaign Zero with the
idea that police officers are reacting to compromising situations in a normal and rational
way.
Crime is cited as the rationale for any police reaction, and “violent criminal attacks are
(cited as) the best predictor of whom police might shoot in America" according to those
opposed to reform.
Reform Organizations
Several non-profits, organizations, and initiatives also focus on criminal justice reform
including the ACLU, Campaign Zero, Right on Crime, The Innocence Project, The
Sentencing Project, and the Marshall Project. The goals of these organizations is to
spread awareness about perceived injustices within the criminal justice system and to
promote action against it through social and policy change.
In 2015 a number of reformers, including the ACLU, the Center for American
Progress, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, Koch family foundations,
the Coalition for Public Safety, and the MacArthur Foundation, announced a bipartisan
resolution to reform the criminal justice system in the United States. Their efforts were
lauded by President Obama who noted these reforms will improve rehabilitation and
workforce opportunities for those who have served their sentences.
Reform in the States
A common theme of reform bills in the states aim for reform on sentencing laws, civil
asset forfeiture laws, bail reform, "ban the box" policies, and juvenile justice reform.
Alabama
Reformed the policy of allowing people with a felony drug conviction apply for
assistance programs such as food and cash assistance. Alabama reformed this policy
to expand the criteria as a case-by-case premise.
Alaska
In 2016, Alaska chose not to participate in the law that doesn't allow people with a
felony drug conviction to apply for programs to assist in their living and family situations.
Include in their new policy under Senate Bill 91, someone with a felony drug conviction
must follow the courts rehabilitation treatments and remain on good behavior under the
assigned parole requirements.
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