Issue: Limitations on Federal Review of State Criminal Convictions
Impact:
Prior proposed legislation would amend federal court procedures for collateral review of habeas corpus petitions from state prisoners.
Position:
The CCJ and COSCA adopted a joint resolution urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to delay further action affecting the filing and processing of habeas corpus petitions until a study can be completed. The recommended study would evaluate whether current habeas corpus statutes have led to unwarranted delays in dispositions and, if so, whether there are less disruptive solutions than the far-reaching measures contained in these bills.
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Issue: Justice Integrity Act of 2008
State court judges would be invited to participate on advisory committees proposed by this legislation. Part of the proposed analysis would be a review of charging policies.
No formal position
Issue: Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act
The federally mandated registration and notification procedures may impact the state courts that have administrative responsibility for probation.
Issue: Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act
State and local courts are eligible to apply for this grant program.
State court leaders support funding for this purpose.