A criminal defense for poverty, behavioral health? Seattle officials to weigh controversial proposal

A proposal introduced during Seattle City Council’s budget deliberations would allow judges and juries the option to dismiss misdemeanor crimes that were committed because of poverty or while a person was experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or substance-use disorder. Katherine Beckett, professor of sociology and of law, societies and justice, and Alexes Harris, professor of sociology at the UW, are quoted.

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