| Resolution Number: | 2003-A126 |
|---|---|
| Title: | Promote Juvenile Justice Reform |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred as Amended |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church direct the Office of Government Relations to work for legislation that provides alternatives to sentencing for juveniles, offers creative programs for rehabilitation, and establishes separate intermediary facilities for incarceration for juveniles convicted of serious crimes; and be it further
Resolved, That the 74th General Convention call upon dioceses, congregations, and individual Episcopalians to promote reforms in state juvenile justice systems that focus on justice, human dignity, and rehabilitation; and be it further
Resolved, That the 74th General Convention encourage defense attorneys to offer pro bono services to alleviate the growing epidemic of inadequate counsel and express gratitude for those who provide these services.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 255. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | The Standing Commission on National Concerns |
|---|---|
| Originating House: | House of Deputies |
| Originating Committee: | Committee on Social and Urban Affairs |
House of Deputies
The House of Deputies Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #24 on Resolution A126 (Youth Charged and Convicted as Adults) and moved adoption with amendment.
Original Text of Resolution:
(A126)
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church direct the Office of Government Relations to work for legislation that provides alternatives to sentencing for juveniles and establishes intermediary facilities for incarceration—between farm schools and adult prisons—for serious juvenile offenders; and be it further
Resolved, That the Peace and Justice Office explore, study, and make available to dioceses and congregations resources for ministering to families and juveniles who are heading toward or caught up in the U.S. criminal justice system.
Committee Amendment:
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General
Convention of the Episcopal Church direct the Office of Government Relations to
work for legislation that provides alternatives to sentencing for juveniles,
offers creative programs for rehabilitation, and establishes
separate intermediary facilities for incarceration
—between farm schools and adult prisons— for
serious juveniles
offenders convicted of serious crimes; and be it
further
Resolved, That the Peace and Justice Office explore, study,
and make available to dioceses and congregations resources for ministering to
families and juveniles who are heading toward or caught up in the U.S. criminal
justice system. That the 74th General Convention call upon
dioceses, congregations, and individual Episcopalians to promote reforms in
state juvenile justice systems that focus on justice, human dignity, and
rehabilitation; and be it further
Resolved, That the 74th General Convention encourage defense attorneys to offer pro bono services to alleviate the growing epidemic of inadequate counsel and express gratitude for those who provide these services.
Motion carried
Resolution adopted with amendment
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #133)
House of Bishops
The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #8 on HD Message #133 on Resolution A126 (Youth Charged and Convicted as Adults) and moved concurrence.
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #197)
Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, August 7.
| Report Reference: | Standing Commission on National Concerns, Reports to the 74th General Convention, 2003, pp. 252-262. |
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| Abstract: | The 74th General Convention directs the Office of Government Relations to work for legislation that reforms the juvenile justice system, and encourages reforms that focus on justice, human dignity, and rehabilitation. |