An ambitious undertaking by the America Bar Association, funded by the National Institute of justice, will attempt to gather information from each state to examine which statues ensure public safety, and which statutes prevent those with a criminal conviction from succeeding. The three year study has already started, with data collected in Arizona, New York, New Hampshire, Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, Maryland, and Mississippi.
Using experts in the data-collecting field, the ABA created a standard to be used for the collection and categorization of information gathered. An advanced data base and input system was also created to allow the data to be collected.
The statutes of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, and North Carolina are currently being collected. When completed, lawyers, legislators, and the public will be able to access the free online resource site to examine the collateral consequences attributed to each criminal justice statute. According to aCrime and Justice News article of April 26, 2011, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder stated that President Obama will look at the collateral consequences of federal criminal justice laws.
To view the ABA Collateral Consequences Report click here to go to website
By using the drop down bar to select a state, and by clicking on “Get Statutes,” one will be able to see what statues are in place, and read the collateral consequences of each.
Sources: American Bar Association and Crime and Justice News
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