Instructions For Sample Letters In Support Of Sb 382 (Page 2 of 7) in pdf

Instructions For Sample Letters In Support Of Sb 382 Page 2

Honorable Jerry Brown

Governor of the State of California

State Capitol

Sacramento, California 95814

Re:

S.B. 382 (Lara)

Judging Youth Fairly

Dear Governor Brown:

I support SB 382 because I believe California should make careful, thoughtful decisions about sending

youth to the adult criminal justice system. The most serious decision the state makes about someone

under the age of 18 is whether to send him or her to adult court. This bill would clarify the criteria

judges use to make this important decision about California youth. If passed into law, Senate Bill 382

would ensure that, in the context of fitness hearings, young people who can benefit from the services

and treatment of the juvenile system get a chance to turn their lives around.

I hope you will not only sign this bill, but help push for more reforms of this kind. I personally believe

that youth should only rarely be sent to the adult criminal justice system. I know young people can

commit serious crimes. But I believe we can adequately punish them and at the same time help them

change and grow. That is what the juvenile justice system is about. This bill would ensure that judges

have the tools they need to decide whether a young person can benefit from the services offered in the

juvenile system. I do not believe a District Attorney ever should be making this decision as is currently

allowed under law.

I urge you to sign this important bill into law.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

_________________________________

Printed name

_________________________________

Address

_________________________________

City

State

Zip

_________________________________

Email and/or phone

Instructions For Sample Letters In Support Of Sb 382 Page 2