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Session: State Capitol, Room 104 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2199 Fax: (907) 465-4587 Send E-Mail Interim: 10928 Eagle River Rd., Suite 140 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: (907) 694-6683 Fax: (907) 694-1015 |
Measure Builds Upon Effectiveness of Traditional Justice Goals
| For Immediate Release: April 25, 2000 | |
| Contact: | Representative Fred Dyson at (907) 465-2199. |
Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Tuesday passed House Bill 372, sponsored by Representative Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River).
HB 372 allows for community-based sentencing in Alaska, stressing accountability for the offender, restitution for the victim, and reconciliation for the community. HB 372 specifies that only willing, non-violent offenders may be considered for community-based sentencing, and only with a court's approval. Domestic violence cases or arson cases in which a life was threatened may not be considered for a community sentence. Should an offender not follow through with a community sentence, a judge may apply the penalties specified by existing law, such as jail time or fines.
"Most traditional societies worldwide, including all Alaska Native groups, have focused their justice systems on compelling the perpetrator to restore the victim to a pre-offense condition, to the degree possible," Dyson said. "This measure encourages the efforts of several Alaska judges who are now working with local volunteers to implement community-based sentencing for willing, non-violent offenders."
HB 372 passed the Senate unanimously. Notice of reconsideration was filed.
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