Category Archives: Uncategorized

Governor Wes Moore signs landmark prison ombudsman bill into law

  Governor Wes Moore signs landmark prison ombudsman bill into law Today, Governor Wes Moore signed a bill to create Maryland’s first independent Correctional Ombudsman Office to investigate prison services and programs and review complaints by incarcerated men and women … Continue reading

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Governor Hogan: Conovirus and the Elderly

Dear Governor Hogan- Here is yet another letter on behalf of Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform (www.ma4jr.org), urging you to expand the scope of your April 18 Executive Order to include elderly as well as medically-impaired individuals at greater risk … Continue reading

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Response to Chief Judge Barbera

WHY MARYLAND COURTS’ RESPONSE TO COVID-19 IN PRISONS AND JAIL ISN’T ENOUGH Two days ago, news media reported Maryland’s Chief Judge has taken action to “protect” our state’s adult prison population.  The headline, unfortunately is greatly overstated. The threat to Marylanders … Continue reading

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MCDAA and MAJR Appeal to Governor Hogan

The Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform have addressed concerns about COVID-19 to the members of the Maryland Legislature: To avoid a catastrophic outbreak of COVID-19 in our prisons, Maryland must act now to reduce … Continue reading

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A second coronavirus appeal

Stu Simms in his role as honorary co-chair of MAJR sent a letter to Governor Hogan, with a copy to Sec. Bob Green of MDPSC, about a week ago urging release of persons in prison who would be particularly vulnerable … Continue reading

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Coronavirus Appeal

Dear Governor Hogan and Secretary Green: Attached is a letter from former Md. DPSCS secretary Stuart Simms, as a Md. Alliance for Justice Reform (MAJR-www.ma4jr.org) spokesperson, urging active preparations to protect Marylanders in state prisons. Thanks in advance for its … Continue reading

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Prosecutors in Prince George’s will no longer recommend cash bail for defendants

Braveboy’s new policy adds her to a growing list of progressive prosecutors around the country seeking to end cash bail as part of their criminal justice agendas. Prosecutors in Prince George’s will no longer recommend cash bail for defendants The … Continue reading

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Questions for Candidates

Governor Larry Hogan and Ben Jealous agreed to participate in only a single, hour-long televised debate on September 24th. But you will have this and other opportunities to find out where they stand on issues which have been important to you and the … Continue reading

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Shrinking Prisons

Shrinking Prisons, Growing Opportunities Governor Larry Hogan and officials of the union for correctional officers (the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) have both said it: correctional officer vacancies in Maryland prisons are rising.  At the same time, … Continue reading

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MAJR Plans Public Sessions

Find out what’s wrong with Maryland’s Pretrial Justice System – and how to fix it Maryland’s General Assembly convenes 1/11/17 and with voters’ support could make a difference. Find out how about proposed changes and what you can do. Find … Continue reading

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