Criminal Legal System Reform

Though Georgia has made strides in reforming its criminal legal system in recent years, barriers persist to employment and economic opportunities for those impacted by Georgia’s court and carceral systems. Historic and current punitive policies threaten to perpetuate the disproportionate incarceration of Black Georgians and exacerbate the economic hardships that often beget incarceration—inequitable access to stable housing, quality healthcare, education pathways and quality jobs. Further, local and state government reliance on fines and fees revenue criminalizes poverty. Rather than incentivize the use of state investments for carceral purposes, our state must expand economic opportunities for Georgians, work to ensure a fair justice system, reduce criminal legal system fines and fees and provide supports to individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system.