Struggling DeSantis and Pence attack criminal justice law they championed
Struggling DeSantis and Pence attack criminal justice law they championed The Guardian US
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Republicans Ron DeSantis and Mike Pence Turn Against Criminal Justice Reform
Introduction
As a Republican congressman, Ron DeSantis was a supporter of legislation that made moderate reforms to the federal prison system intended to reduce recidivism and mass incarceration – a cause that was also championed by then president Donald Trump and his deputy, Mike Pence.
Five years later, DeSantis, now Florida’s governor, and Pence are struggling to overtake Trump’s lead among Republicans as they vie for the party’s presidential nomination, and have turned against the criminal justice measure they both supported in an effort to win over conservative voters.
The First Step Act and its Goals
- Background
- DeSantis and Pence previously supported the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill aimed at reducing recidivism and mass incarceration.
- Reversal of Support
- DeSantis and Pence now criticize the First Step Act in an attempt to appeal to conservative voters.
- Conservative Response
- Conservatives who originally supported the First Step Act argue against its repeal and believe attacking it won’t help DeSantis and Pence gain popularity among Republican voters.
- Impact of the First Step Act
- The First Step Act reduced mandatory minimum sentences, created rehabilitation programs for released inmates, banned shackling of pregnant women, and expanded time-served credit for federal prisoners.
- Its goal was to help released individuals stay out of prison.
- Recidivism Rates
- According to justice department data, the recidivism rate for those released under the First Step Act is just over 12%, compared to the 45% rate for federal prisoners overall.
Political Landscape and Reversal of Stance
The First Step Act was a bipartisan effort supported by Trump, Republicans, and Democrats.
DeSantis and Pence’s reversal of support for the act is seen as an attempt to appeal to voters concerned about crime.
DeSantis, in particular, has shifted his stance on criminal justice policy since announcing his presidential run.
Public Opinion and Criticism
- Supporters of the First Step Act argue against its repeal and believe the evidence doesn’t support claims that it contributes to crime.
- The act was endorsed by diverse groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Koch Industries.
Trump’s Position and Current Political Landscape
- Trump currently leads among Republican presidential candidates but doesn’t focus on the First Step Act in his campaign.
- DeSantis and Pence criticize the act as a way to distinguish themselves from Trump, who faces investigations.
Conclusion
The attacks on the First Step Act by DeSantis and Pence are seen as political tactics to differentiate themselves from Trump, but they disregard the positive impact the act has had on individuals who were incarcerated for minor offenses. The act remains supported by conservatives who believe in its goals of reducing recidivism and mass incarceration.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform legislation that aims to reduce recidivism and mass incarceration. This aligns with SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
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 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.
The First Step Act aims to promote the rule of law by reducing mandatory minimum sentences, creating rehabilitation programs for released inmates, and expanding time-served credit for federal prisoners. It also involves decision-making processes in Congress and the presidential administration.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Recidivism rate for individuals released under the First Step Act compared to the baseline rate for federal prisoners overall.
The article mentions that according to justice department data, the recidivism rate for those released under the First Step Act is just over 12%, compared to the baseline rate of 45% for federal prisoners overall. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards reducing recidivism and achieving equal access to justice for all.
Table: 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. | Recidivism rate for individuals released under the First Step Act compared to the baseline rate for federal prisoners overall. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. | N/A |
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Source: theguardian.com
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