Scott Walker in Brennan Center for Justice essays

On Crime: Require certainty in sentencing, to protect crime victims

When thinking of criminal justice system reform, I first think about the impact on victims. Often times, the voices of those most seriously harmed are not always the ones most prevalently heard in our courtrooms.

A woman once related to me how she testified against her perpetrator because she was told that he would be punished for his crime, that he would serve his time, and that she and other potential victims would be safer. She was not aware that he would soon be released and back on the streets due to a shortened sentence.

Years ago, I authored legislation that required certainty in sentencing so victims like that woman can know how long the man who attacked her will be behind bars--whether it is two or 20 years. As a victim, she deserves to be a part of that process and she deserves to have the peace of mind of knowing how long he will be in prison.

Source: Brennan Center for Justice essays, p.111-2 Apr 28, 2015

On Drugs: Heroin Opiate Prevention & Education: HOPE combats abuse

In 2014, I signed into law a package called "H.O.P.E.," which stands for Heroin Opiate Prevention and Education. HOPE invests in Wisconsin communities. It comprehensively changes how we contend with heroin by implementing the twin principles of support and accountability. To prevent deaths due to overdose, HOPE equips law enforcement officers and first responders with additional tools to more effectively combat opiate abuse, including access to life-saving medicines, and encourages addicts to seek emergency care for fellow drug users. HOPE also supports addicts with treatment alternatives, especially in under-funded, yet high-need, rural areas of our state. Accountability-wise, HOPE creates swift and certain sanctions to respond to probation violations instead of automatic incarceration. And finally, HOPE calls upon medical professionals to demand identification for certain prescriptions. HOPE lays the foundation for reversing the dangerous trend of heroin addiction. Source: Brennan Center for Justice essays, p.113 Apr 28, 2015

On Drugs: Drug testing is common sense policy for workplace safety

Drug testing is not a new concept. It is a common sense policy. Take, for instance, some high-demand fields and manufacturing jobs, where sobriety is unquestionably necessary for the operation of technical equipment and heavy machinery. Workplace safety requires the imposition of drug testing for employees.

While some have said that drug testing makes it harder to get assistance, we say it makes it easier to get a job and helps people live full and meaningful lives.

Source: Brennan Center for Justice essays, p.114 Apr 28, 2015

The above quotations are from SOLUTIONS American Leaders Speak Out on Criminal Justice Brennan Center for Justice essays Edited by Inimai Chettiar and Michael Waldman. Click here for other excerpts from SOLUTIONS American Leaders Speak Out on Criminal Justice Brennan Center for Justice essays Edited by Inimai Chettiar and Michael Waldman. Click here for other excerpts by Scott Walker. Click here for a profile of Scott Walker.
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Page last updated: Dec 07, 2018