House Bill 321, which applies to three of 64 parishes, violates the basic rule that “state law” applies to the entire state.
The bill’s author says race wasn’t a factor in selecting Orleans, East Baton and Caddo parishes. Why were they selected? The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Monroe is 1 in 38; in Alexandria, 1 in 53. Both places are more dangerous than the selected parishes.
The chance in Orleans is 1 in 72, and in Baton Rouge it’s 1 in 84. If making juvenile records public will reduce crime by juveniles, then the bill should apply to the entire state.
The bill makes juvenile records available to the public before a conviction. The author assumes that if you are arrested and not formally charged, it is because the district attorney is not doing a good job.
In American law, a person is innocent until proven guilty. Even after an officer makes an arrest on probable cause, the district attorney must determine if a formal charge should be made based on the evidence.
If the district attorney decides that a formal charge should be made, one is still innocent until proven guilty. Juvenile laws, while recognizing that children are different from adults, give them the same benefit.
Victims should get information about their cases. The question is: “Will this bill make anyone safer?” The research says No! It makes us less safe, ensuring that young people have less opportunity to become productive and increasing the likelihood they will become criminals.
Politicians should avoid divisive debates and develop strategies that provide community safety. Needed are strategies and investment in resources that address poverty, inequality, racism and other systemic causes of crime.
Laws should be based on research, not emotion. This bill is way off base.
ERNESTINE GRAY
retired juvenile court judge
New Orleans
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