Advocates

Vermont Advocates Push to Stop Delays to Youth Criminal Justice Reform Law, Urge Immediate Implementation

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MONTPELIER, Vt. — Advocates for criminal justice reform are calling on Vermont legislators to affirm their commitment to a pioneering statute designed to offer younger offenders a path to rehabilitation instead of incarceration. Enacted in 2020, Vermont’s “Raise the Age” law was the first in the nation to redefine the age of juvenile jurisdiction, initially including 18-year-olds within its scope. The legislation is rooted in studies suggesting that brain development continues into the early twenties, advocating that youthful errors should not lead to lifelong penalties under the justice system. Proponents argue that understanding this developmental … Read more

Activist Jeff Fogel Calls for Stronger Powers and More Advocates on Charlottesville’s Police Oversight Board

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Nearly a decade after its establishment, the Police Civilian Oversight Board in Charlottesville, originally envisioned as a cornerstone for improving police accountability and community trust, is facing criticism for its effectiveness and limitations. Activist and attorney Jeff Fogel, a key proponent of the board’s creation, expressed significant dissatisfaction with its operational constraints and output. Founded in 2017, the oversight board was part of a broader movement seen in various U.S. cities aimed at increasing transparency and oversight of local police forces. This initiative resonated deeply in Charlottesville, a community continually seeking to … Read more

Gun Safety Advocates Gather at South Carolina State House to Demand Tightening of Background Check Laws

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Advocates for gun control assembled at the South Carolina State House on Thursday to call for the enactment of tougher laws aimed at curbing gun violence. The rally, marked by passionate speeches and poignant reminders of past tragedies, underscored a regional and national crisis that continues to provoke calls for change. Among the attendees were committed volunteers from the local chapters of Students Demand Action and Moms Demand Action. State lawmakers, including Representative Hamilton Grant of Richland, and Senators Deon Tedder of Charleston and Tameika Isaac Devine from Richland, also lent their … Read more

Vermont Bar Association Stands Firm on Rule of Law, Advocates Strong Legal Principles

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Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Bar Association (VBA) is taking a firm stand in support of the rule of law and the fundamental principles of justice that undergird the U.S. legal system. This move comes at a time when the legal community across the nation is increasingly voicing concerns over threats to judicial independence and impartiality. In a recent press conference, representatives of the VBA highlighted several initiatives designed to reinforce these principles. These include educational programs aimed at better informing the public about the structure of the legal system, and how laws are formulated, … Read more