The Sentencing Project Applauds DC Council’s Decision to Override Mayor Bowser’s Veto of the Revised Criminal Code Act
The Revised Criminal Code Act will bring the DC's criminal penalties closer in line with criminological evidence on public safety, improve fairness and proportionality, and advance racial justice in the criminal legal system.
Related to: Sentencing Reform, Incarceration
Today, the Council of the District of Columbia (DC Council) voted to override Mayor Muriel Bowser’s veto of the Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA), a bill that will bring the District’s criminal penalties closer in line with criminological evidence on public safety, improve fairness and proportionality, and advance racial justice in the criminal legal system. This important legislation represents the first comprehensive revision of the DC criminal code since Congress codified criminal statutes for the District in 1901.
Kara Gotsch, Deputy Director at The Sentencing Project, issued the following statement in response to the Council’s decision:
“Today, the Council of the District of Columbia stood up for a more just, humane society by overriding Mayor Bowser’s veto of the Revised Criminal Code Act. This legislation will modernize DC’s criminal justice system and eliminate almost all mandatory minimum sentences, cap maximum sentences at 45 years, allow sentences to be reconsidered by a judge after 20 years of imprisonment, and eliminate accomplice liability for felony murder.
“A wealth of research, public opinion data, expert testimony, and stakeholder input has demonstrated that extreme sentencing practices such as mandatory minimum sentences and life without parole are cruel, costly, unpopular, and counterproductive to public safety. These extreme sentencing practices also have a disproportionate impact on people of color, perpetuating cycles of discrimination that make the District less equitable, less safe, and less prosperous. The Revised Criminal Code Act is an invaluable step in the right direction that will make Washington, DC a more just place for everyone to live.
“While there is still work to be done, this legislation is the impressive fruit of years of research, community feedback, criminal legal stakeholder input, and negotiation. We are grateful to the DC Council for their action today, and look forward to seeing the Revised Criminal Code Act implemented in the District.”
The Sentencing Project previously sent a letter to DC Council members endorsing the RCCA. Click here to read the letter.
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About The Sentencing Project
The Sentencing Project promotes effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. You can find our media guidance on crime coverage here.
