A courageous woman, Marilyn Shirley, was finally vindicated when a jury found the prison guard who raped her guilty. I met Marilyn when she bravely stood at the Capitol and told the story of her brutal rape at the hands of that guard. Afterward he taunted her, “Don’t even think of telling, because it’s your word against mine, and you will lose.” The justice system cannot wipe away the degradation and abuse Marilyn suffered, but it at last held the contemptible guard accountable.
Marilyn’s willingness to tell of her ordeal, along with other rape survivors who joined her in making public statements, was instrumental in passing the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which was signed by the President last year. Justice Fellowship labored alongside a broad and energetic coalition to pass that bill. That, however, was only the beginning of this important effort to end the scandal of prison rape. The legislation established a commission charged with determining the extent of rape in our prisons, establishing standards to eliminate it, and holding prison officials accountable for stopping it. Look for the members of the Commission to be announced soon.
National Public Radio recently broadcast an excellent commentary on the importance of helping prisoners as they return to the community. Robert Franklin highlighted the current efforts of churches and other community groups to help offenders return safely and successfully – and pointed out the need to do much more.
There is good news of support for a more restorative response to crime in several states. A poll in California shows strong public support for rehabilitation of juveniles and non-violent offenders; Cass County, Indiana has begun a new initiative for juveniles, Building Restorative Communities; and, prosecutors in Kansas are supporting a new law that will allow juveniles to be diverted from the incarceration into a program that holds the offender accountable to the crime victim through restitution, community service and apology, and then expunges their record when they have completed making things right.
President Bush made a recess appointment of Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. As Alabama’s Attorney General, Judge Pryor worked to reform that state’s sentencing laws, restore voting rights to felons who had served their sentences, and campaigned vigorously in support of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. In addition, he flew to Washington to testify in support of the Prison Rape Elimination Act. We at Justice Fellowship are delighted that a man with such a fine mind and a good heart will be serving on that important court.
The Wilberforce Forum, of which Justice Fellowship is a part, has developed an excellent study guide for movie, The Passion of the Christ. Whether or not you have seen the film, I think you will find the guide an excellent tool as you explore the significance of the events depicted in the film.
In His service,
Pat Nolan, President
Justice Fellowship
Victims
Texas Ads Show the Real Face of Rape
A public-awareness campaign against sexual violence in Texas features victims. "Speak Up. Speak Out." is serving as a national model for combating sexual assault and encouraging victims to seek help. (Women’s eNews, February 15, 2004)
See also: Marilyn Shirley’s compelling testimony of her ordeal at the hands of a prison guard, as well as the stories of other rape survivors, at Just Detention International.
Offenders
New Life in a Culture of Death
Where Medellín's mountains touch the valley floor stands Bellavista. This prison complex is where hundreds of Colombia's worst criminals and guerrillas have met an evil end in vendetta slayings. Fourteen years ago, violence reigned over Bellavista. But through the persistent efforts of Christians, Bellavista has become a spiritual clearinghouse where Colombians, deeply divided along religious, economic, and political lines, may reconcile their differences. (Christianity Today, February 2, 2004)
Juveniles
System Hardens Youths (The Mercury News, February 10, 2004)
Resources
Drug Court Study
The Center for Court Innovation has released The New York State Adult Drug Court Evaluation: Policies, Participants, and Impacts, a study of 11 of New York state’s oldest and largest drug courts.
Online Resources for Pro Se Litigants
The National Center for State Courts has established an online resource center for people who represent themselves in court called SelfHelpSupport.org. |
