Reform

Challenging the Power: Urgent Call for Public Health Law Reform to Protect Citizens from Governor’s Potential Misuse

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Albuquerque, New Mexico – Public health laws in the state need urgent reform to prevent further abuses of power by the governor. These laws are at the center of a heated debate over individual freedoms, government authority, and the health and safety of the population. While public health measures play a crucial role in safeguarding communities, the potential for abuse of power cannot be ignored. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, governors across the country have been granted broad authority to enact emergency health measures. These measures have included restrictions on businesses, limitations on gatherings, and mask … Read more

Louisiana Legislature Passes Suite of Punitive Changes, Reignites Debate on Criminal Justice Reform

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Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Once known as the “prison capital of the world,” Louisiana had managed to shed that dubious title through criminal justice reforms in 2017. However, the state is now poised to regain that reputation as lawmakers recently passed a suite of punitive changes. These new laws, which are set to be signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, will eliminate the possibility of parole for most new convictions and increase the length of time individuals must serve before being released for good behavior. Additionally, these changes will limit the tools available to local prosecutors … Read more

From Dark Shadows to Redemption: Lawyer Morohashi Yoshitomo and Judicial Scrivener Kōmura Ryūichi Open Up About Their Yakuza Histories and Journey to Reform

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TOKYO (AP) — Two individuals intimately acquainted with the dark world of the Japanese criminal organization known as the Yakuza recently shed light on their past involvement. Lawyer Morohashi Yoshitomo and judicial scrivener Kōmura Ryūichi, both from Tokyo, recounted their experiences in candid interviews. Yoshitomo, who now practices law, revealed that he used to work for a Yakuza-affiliated law firm in the early 2000s. He admitted to aiding the organization in money laundering activities and providing legal advice on illicit matters. However, after witnessing the harm caused by the Yakuza’s influence, Yoshitomo decided to sever … Read more

Maryland State’s Attorneys Rally for Reform of Juvenile Justice Laws, Urging Action to Address Youth Offenses

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — State’s Attorneys from across Maryland are urging lawmakers to provide relief from the state’s reform laws, which they argue have proven crippling since their passage two years ago. The plea comes as supporters of a new bill designed to reform the juvenile justice system make their case before Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. The proposed legislation would enable the prosecution of juveniles under 13 for specific firearm offenses, third degree sexual abuse, animal abuse, and vehicle theft. Currently, those under 13 cannot be prosecuted for non-violent offenses. Baltimore County State’s Attorney … Read more