PDF Recommendations on Second Look Sentencing Reform
The New York State Justice Task Force provides recommendations for changes to the criminal justice system to improve its fairness and effectiveness for all New Yorkers. It includes representatives from all participants in the criminal justice system – including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, members of law enforcement, legislators, executive branch officials, forensic experts, victim’s advocates, and legal scholars – from across the State.
In this report, the Task Force turns its attention to sentencing reform, specifically “Second Look” reforms that enable courts to review and reevaluate an incarcerated person’s sentence after the completion of the appellate process and after a period of time served to determine if the sentence is still necessary and in the interests of justice. After careful deliberation and study, the Task Force concluded overwhelmingly to endorse Second Look reform. In addition to supporting the concept of Second Look review, the Task Force endorsed 15 recommendations regarding the scope, elements, and process of a Second Look review, which are detailed in this report.