* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Stokes
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
October - Youth Justice Awareness Month
For the purpose of declaring that October is Youth Justice Awareness Month.
body
Whereas, The historical role of the juvenile court system is to rehabilitate and treat youthful offenders, while holding them accountable and maintaining public safety, and is therefore better equipped to work with youth than the punitive nature of the adult criminal justice system; and
Whereas, Youth are developmentally different from adults, these differences having been documented by research on the adolescent brain and acknowledged by the U.S. and State supreme courts, and there are many state and federal laws that prohibit youth, under age 18, from taking on major adult responsibilities such as voting, jury duty, and military service; and
Whereas, Racial disparities, racial bias, and overt racism are central features of our criminal justice system and impact youth of color in profoundly negative ways; and
Whereas, Youth of color and youth with disabilities and mental health issues are disproportionally represented at all stages of the criminal justice system; and
Whereas, Youth who are placed under the commitment of the juvenile court system are able to access age appropriate services, education, and remain closer to their families, all of which reduces the likelihood of future offending; and
Whereas, Over 75,000 youth are tried, sentenced, or incarcerated as adults every y...
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