Mercy for Children Act

Mercy for Children Act Join hosts Michael Williams and Tabitha Brown delve into the mission of Freedom Force Florida, a non-profit organization dedicated to reforming Florida's criminal justice system. This episode explores the Mercy for Children Act which aims to provide equal treatment for all juvenile offenders in Florida. In 2014, the Florida legislature created two classes of juvenile offenders: those who committed crimes before 1995, and those who committed crimes after. Those who committed crimes before that date are subject to parole review. Those who committed crimes after that date are subject to judicial review. The difference is life and death. Florida’s parole system gives primary weight to the seriousness of the crime and past record rather than maturity and rehabilitation. Juvenile offenders who have judicial review have a hearing where the judge must release them if they demonstrate objectively, they are rehabilitated. The average age of release for juvenile offenders receiving judicial review is 51. The average age of release for juvenile offenders receiving parole review is 92 - if they live that long. The Mercy for Children Act will ensure that parole-eligible juvenile offenders receive a meaningful opportunity for release based on demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation, rather than essentially life without parole sentence. Each episode of "Fight the Good Fight" offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Florida's criminal justice system, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of FFF's vision for a more just and equitable future. A production of ⁠⁠FreedomForceFlorida.org⁠⁠, dedicated to reforming Florida's criminal justice system from one focused on retribution to one featuring restoration and rehabilitation. Subscribe now!