Connecticut prosecutors strive for efficiency, equity through ‘Moving Justice Forward’ initiative
Connecticut prosecutors strive for efficiency, equity through 'Moving ... Connecticut Public
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Connecticut’s Division of Criminal Justice Works Towards Improving the Criminal Justice System
The Division of Criminal Justice in Connecticut is undertaking a project called Moving Justice Forward, aiming to enhance efficiency and fairness in the state’s criminal justice system. The project focuses on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
Analysis of Prosecutorial Policies
After an 11-month analysis of prosecutorial policies in Hartford, New Britain, New London, and Danbury, the Division of Criminal Justice has released a document outlining its goals for future improvement. The analysis examined various aspects of the criminal justice system, including case initiation, charging, plea-bargaining, sentencing, bail, prosecutor caseloads, training, and relationships with law enforcement and the community.
Blueprint for Improvement
The Moving Justice Forward initiative was announced in 2022 with the aim of creating a blueprint for improving the justice system. The division solicited feedback from prosecutors, victims, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system to inform their goals for improvement.
Goals for Improvement
Based on the findings of the analysis, the Division of Criminal Justice has set several goals for improvement:
- Developing more diversionary programs for defendants, such as counseling or drug treatment
- Increasing cohesion between local state’s attorneys’ offices
- Improving diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Strengthening community relations
- Offering more transparency to the public
Additional Areas of Focus
In addition to the goals mentioned above, the initiative also aims to:
- Improve data collection and reporting
- Assist individuals representing themselves in court
- Enhance prosecutor training and workloads
Addressing Past Issues
The initiative comes in response to concerns raised about the criminal justice system. One individual, Gaylord Salters, who was wrongfully convicted in 2003, highlighted the need to address allegations of prosecutorial and policing misconduct in New Haven. Salters’ case was overturned last year after a key witness recanted their statement, and his brother also received a settlement from the state due to prosecutorial misconduct.
Exonerations and Conviction Integrity Unit
Connecticut has seen cases of wrongful convictions, with at least 32 people being exonerated since 1973, half of whom had cases tried in New Haven county. To address these issues, the state established a conviction integrity unit within the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in 2021. This unit reinvestigates claims of wrongful conviction and investigations with integrity concerns.
Comprehensive Guidelines for Prosecutors
As part of the Moving Justice Forward initiative, the state has published comprehensive guidelines for prosecutors known as the Connecticut Prosecution Standards. These guidelines cover various aspects of prosecution, including seeking arrest and surveillance warrants, addressing misconduct, and conflicts of interest. State prosecutors have received training on these new standards to ensure their effective implementation.
Conclusion
The Division of Criminal Justice in Connecticut is committed to improving the efficiency and fairness of the criminal justice system. Through the Moving Justice Forward initiative, the division aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by addressing past issues, setting goals for improvement, and providing comprehensive guidelines for prosecutors. By doing so, they seek to instill public confidence in the criminal justice system and promote transparency, equity, and inclusivity.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
- Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.
- Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.
- Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.
- Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of the population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.
- Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices. | Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of the population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate. |
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Source: ctpublic.org
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