In brief
We oppose Prop 36 (2024) because returning to harsh sentences is poor public policy. Shifting money from treatment and rehabilitation to prisons would undermine programs that reduce recidivism and support reintegration into society. Increased incarceration not only detracts from effective and humane criminal justice policies but will also lead to higher costs for taxpayers without improving public safety.
Many of our faith traditions believe in the possibility of redemption and transformation for every individual. We support rehabilitation programs that help individuals change their lives and become contributing members of society. We advocate for criminal justice reform and seek to create a system more aligned with the values of mercy, compassion, redemption, and equitable justice for all. Our Racial Justice Task Force recommends opposing Prop 36.
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In this post
What would Prop 36 do?
Prop 36 would erode criminal justice reform in California by reversing critical advances aimed at reducing mass incarceration and promoting rehabilitation. It would impose stricter sentencing laws that disproportionately impact people of color and those with low incomes, exacerbating existing racial and socioeconomic disparities in the criminal justice system.
Harsher sentencing for minor offenses, like drug possession and retail theft, would take California back to the days when we had unconstitutionally overcrowded prisons. The increased penalties are draconian. For example, if someone gives or sells a controlled substance like psychedelic mushrooms or peyote to someone who suffers a significant injury from using it, they could be sentenced to state prison instead of county jail and required to serve a longer term.
By shifting money from treatment and rehabilitation to prisons, Prop 36 would undermine programs that reduce recidivism and support reintegration into society. Emphasizing punishment over rehabilitation detracts from effective and humane criminal justice policies, and increased incarceration rates will lead to higher costs for taxpayers without improving public safety.
Prop 36 would perpetuate a cycle of incarceration by reducing mental health and substance use disorder treatment, victim services, reentry assistance, programs to prevent school truancy and dropout, and crime prevention programs that prevent recidivism.
Why Prop 36 is poor public policy
Emphasizing stricter punishment over rehabilitation is ineffective and costly for several reasons:
High Recidivism Rates:
- Studies consistently show that harsher punishments do not deter crime and often lead to higher recidivism rates. Individuals released from punitive environments lack the skills and support needed to successfully reintegrate into society, making them more likely to re-offend.
Ineffective Reintegration:
- Punishment-focused approaches neglect the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and substance abuse. Without addressing these issues, individuals are ill-equipped to lead law-abiding lives upon release.
Excessive Costs:
- Stricter punishment policies necessitate larger prison populations, translating to significantly higher costs for taxpayers. Investments in rehabilitation programs, education, and social services that address the underlying causes of crime are more effective.
Lost Human Potential:
- A focus on punishment wastes human potential. Rehabilitation programs allow individuals to learn new skills, address personal challenges, and become productive members of society. This emphasis benefits not only the individual but also the community as a whole.
By prioritizing rehabilitation, we can break the cycle of crime, reduce recidivism, and create a safer, more just society.
Why Faith Communities might support criminal justice reform and therefore oppose Prop 36
Faith communities often advocate for criminal justice reform due to their core principles and beliefs, including:
Mercy and Compassion:
- Many faiths emphasize showing mercy and compassion towards all people, including those who have committed crimes. This belief encourages seeking alternatives to harsh punishment and focusing on restorative justice practices.
Redemption and Transformation:
- Faith traditions often believe in the possibility of redemption and transformation for every individual. This leads to supporting rehabilitation programs that help individuals change their lives and become contributing members of society.
Human Dignity and Worth:
- The inherent dignity and worth of every human being is a central tenet of many faiths. This belief challenges the dehumanizing aspects of the current justice system and calls for approaches that respect the rights and dignity of all, including those who are incarcerated.
Social Justice and Equity:
- Many faith communities are committed to social justice and addressing systemic inequalities. They recognize that the current justice system disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and advocate for reforms that promote fairness and equity for all.
Restorative Justice:
- Some faith traditions promote restorative justice practices that focus on repairing harm and bringing together victims, offenders, and the community. This approach emphasizes healing and reconciliation rather than solely punishment.
By advocating for criminal justice reform, faith communities seek to create a system more aligned with our values of mercy, compassion, redemption, and justice for all.
Read the articles below or the Racial Justice Task Force page for further information.
General Information on Ballot Items
For more information and recommendations on all of the ballot items, please consider these sources:
- California League of Women Voters – Ballot Recommendations
- California Council of Churches IMPACT – Recommendations
- Friends Committee on Legislation of California – Recommendations
For more information on the ballot items themselves, please consider these sources:
