Groups cross ideological lines for criminal justice reform

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Advocacy and business groups from opposite ends of the political spectrum are joining forces to press for criminal justice reform in Tennessee.

American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, the Beacon Center of Tennessee, the Tennessee Association of Goodwills and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce are among the groups forming the Tennessee Coalition for Sensible Justice.

In a Tuesday news release announcing the new group, ACLU-TN Executive Director Hedy Weinberg says reforms are necessary and urgent because the current criminal justice system “is functioning like a revolving door.”

Justin Owen, president and CEO of the Beacon Center of Tennessee, says the current system isn’t working and is making Tennessee less safe.

The coalition will initially pursue legislation focused on juvenile justice, sentencing reform and recidivism reduction.

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