Justice Department to Judges: Jailing People Who Can't Pay Fines is Unconstitutional
https://www.colorlines.com/articles/justice-department-judges-jailing-people-who-cant-pay-fines-unconstitutional
Today (March 14) the U.S. Department of Justice charged state judges with the task of tossing out policies that effectively create debtors’ prisons, filled with poor people who are unable to pay exorbitant fines for minor offenses. These policies are a major part of the government’s lawsuit against Ferguson.
“The consequences of the criminalization of poverty are not only harmful—they are far-reaching,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement. “They not only affect an individual’s ability to support their family, but also contribute to an erosion of our faith in government. One of my top priorities as Attorney General is to help repair community trust where it has frayed, and a key part of that effort includes ensuring that our legal system serves every American faithfully and fairly, regardless of their economic status.”...
The New York Times reports that the letter is not legally binding, but it effectively clarifies the federal government’s position on the issue and provides guidance for state and municipal courts and officials.
The resource package also includes $2.5 million in grants for jurisdictions that want to test new strategies for assessing fines and fees; financial support for the National Task Force on Fines, Fees and Bail Practices; and a collection of studies and other research surrounding the issue.
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