STATE HOUSE — The past 10 years in Massachusetts have seen decreases in total crime, criminal case filings and convictions, researchers told a working group seeking avenues to reform the state's criminal justice system.
The bipartisan group, comprised of members from all branches of state government, reviewed an initial analysis from the Council on State Governments Justice Center that will serve as a starting point in their efforts to cut incarceration and recidivism rates, lower criminal justice costs and reinvest the savings in programs like re-entry services.
President Barack Obama's final State of the Union speech offered little in the way of new policy initiatives, but plenty of upbeat talk about prospects for a strong future. His hour-long address predicated future gains on bridging the partisan divides so evident between the White House and Republican-controlled Congress, and in the sharp rhetoric flowing from the 2016 presidential campaign. Some highlights of his address:
