Seattle Clemency Project firmly believes in a system that rewards transformation and redemption. We are passionate about the work we do and work closely with people from all sides of the issue including the lawyers who are directly involved in the cases, the clients, the prosecutors, and the legislature. We want a fair and just system for all.
Mass Incarceration
The policies at both the national and state level in the 80s and 90s were ‘tough on crime’. These policies resulted in what we now know as mass incarceration because people were going to prison for lesser crimes and staying longer. The system has ballooned to accommodate the larger prison population.
POLICIES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO MASS INCARCERATION
1984 - Washington abolishes parole
The parole board reviewed almost 5,000 cases per year before it was abolished (parole = conditional early release from prison for good behavior). Since parole is no longer an option, there is no review by an early release board to determine whether the sentence still serves a purpose in light of one’s rehabilitation.
1993 - Washington enacts 3 strikes law
Washington state was the first in the country to enact the three strikes law. The increased use of life sentences is one of the primary factors that has led Washington’s prison population to approximately double since 1984.
1997 - Hard Time for Armed Crime
Washington increased the penalties for use of a weapon. Even if someone was involved in a crime where no one was injured, they could get extra years added to the sentence if a weapon was involved and the stacking of weapons enhancements has lead to many people receiving excessively long sentences.