Steven Schiff: “I do not oppose the idea of alternative sentencing where it is deserved in the particular case, where a criminal can…”

“I do not oppose the idea of alternative sentencing where it is deserved in the particular case, where a criminal can most likely be rehabilitated in society. The problem is that this provision that requires the management of resources, as it is pointed out, is in the same section that creates space for violent criminals. There is a clear message there that the States should look to see whom they can release, not because the criminals to be released deserve to be released, not because they will not still vandalize society through entering our homes, stealing our goods, stealing our cars, shoplifting from our stores, and doing whatever, but simply because we want to create room. I acknowledge that an armed robber is a more serious criminal in most cases than certain other crimes, but we do not want to have our cars stolen or our homes broken into any more than we want to be robbed at gunpoint. I would conclude by pointing out, Mr. Chairman, that the reason the National District Attorneys Association supports my amendment is, they have taken the position that such mandates should not be placed upon the States.”