It is rare that bi-partisan support emerges so strongly for an issue as has developed around the “rightness” of returning jurisdiction for first-time, non-violent 17 year olds to juvenile court.  This could not have been more evident than in a presentation in the Capitol on March 31 by Grover Norquist.  More famous for his work on with Americans for Tax Reform, Norquist has joined with many other conservative voices in applying a “what works” standard to the need for prison reform and other justice practices.  As part of the Right on Crime coalition, Norquist provided support for WCCF’s Second Chance effort as well as pushing other justice reforms that could reduce the use of incarceration.  The MacIver Institute coordinated the event and provided to a sizable audience copies of their joint publication with the Texas Public Policy Foundation on returning 17 year olds to juvenile court. 

Rep. Rob Hutton, a key supporter of the Second Chance proposal, made the direct connection between the “cost-effective” focus of Norquist’s efforts and the need to promote a host of more productive justice reforms.

Other states continue to move to return youth under 18 to juvenile court jurisdiction, including leaders in North Carolina introducing legislation and the inclusion of “raise the age” language in the budget of New York Governor Cuomo.  While the future for both of these efforts is uncertain, what is certain is that more and more policy-makers, coming at this issue from various perspectives, all come to the same conclusion – that it’s the right thing to do.  Credit has to go out to the MacIver Institute for their coordination of the presentation, and appreciation for Rep. Hutton and Sen. Petrowski who are continuing to champion this effort.  Now, can we make this happen??

by Jim Moeser