Criminal penalties, especially fines, often fall disproportionately and harshly on members of the community of low economic means. Policies of the State’s Attorney can alleviate or aggravate this reality.
Would you consider the adoption of policies that de-prioritize the prosecution of offenses like shoplifting and trespassing which are often associated with poverty and stigmatize people experiencing poverty as well as those experiencing mental health issues and substance use disorder?
BURKE: I want to establish a Restorative Justice Bureau where specialized courts, dispersed throughout the judicial system, cater to non-violent offenders and are specifically designed to address the unique circumstances presented by individuals such as juveniles, veterans, those struggling with mental illness, or battling substance abuse. The primary objective is to tackle the underlying issues driving criminal behavior rather than resorting to detention. These courts collaborate closely with various social service agencies to provide individuals with the necessary support and assistance. Remarkably, they have shown significant success, evidenced by notably lower rates of recidivism among participants.