Poll Shows Americans Overwhelmingly Support Prison, Sentencing Reforms
Majority of Republicans, Democrats & Independents approve of reforms before Congress
Majority of
Republicans, Democrats & Independents approve of reforms before Congress
WASHINGTON – A recent poll,
conducted by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland,
once again indicates overwhelming support for reforms to America’s criminal
justice system. Questions put to poll respondents correspond to specific
provisions currently under debate in Congress, like those contained in the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act
and the FIRST STEP Act.
“This country has a clear and
concrete desire to make our system of justice fair and workable,” Grassley said. “We are
working on a deal to legislate the exact reforms that this poll shows have
great support. Americans across the country, the President of the United States
and a vast bipartisan coalition in Congress want justice and opportunity for
every American. In fact, President Trump has made this a priority, having
several meetings over the last few weeks on criminal justice reform. It’s time
that the United States Senate deliver on an important presidential priority
that enjoys broad public support.”
Responses according to the types
of reforms:
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing
-
75
percent of
those surveyed support changing the 20 year mandatory minimum for a second drug
offense to 15 years while giving judges discretion to increase a sentence;
-
70
percent of
those surveyed support changing mandatory life sentences for a third drug
offense to 25 years while giving judges discretion to increase a sentence.
These mandatory minimum
sentencing adjustments are included in the Sentencing Reform and Corrections
Act.
Retroactive Sentencing
Adjustments
-
74
percent (64% of
Republicans, 84% of Democrats) of those surveyed support making retroactive
adjustments for sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine
offenses. (NOTE: This disparity was reduced by the Fair Sentencing Act of
2010, a bill led by then-Senator and current Attorney General Jeff
Sessions).
The poll was originally released
here
and the presentation of poll question results can be found
here.
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