Supreme Court symposium slated for June 10 will spotlight second‑look sentencing and judicial accountability

Commission staff said the Supreme Court granted the Minority and Justice Commission a day of court time on June 10 for a symposium that will synthesize the commission's recent work on sentencing and racial disparities.

"This year on June 10, we will be kind of culminating that exploration by talking about a variety of sentencing regimes that are emerging throughout the country that offer promise and opportunity for reducing racial disparities largely known under the umbrella of second look policies," Frank Thomas said. He said topics will also include compassionate release and analysis of rehabilitation as a purpose of confinement.

Justice Whitener urged a full turnout, noting the report that comes out of the symposium "is usually very impactful and carries on throughout the state in regards to different topics that come out from our symposium." Staff said the program will likely run from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and that further planning and outreach materials will be circulated to commissioners.

Committee leaders described planned panels that will include judges and program managers from tribal and wellness courts, practical exercises for trial judges to test new practices, and participatory formats intended to spur implementation discussion across jurisdictions.

Commission staff encouraged commissioners to join planning groups or the education committee's symposium work groups and said finalized agendas and recruitment details will be shared in the coming months.