The CT-N recording of the conference is available here

Re-Imagining the Criminal Justice System: Where We Were, What We’ve Done, What’s Next?

The Commission hosted a day-long conference on June 15th, 2023, at the University of Connecticut School of Law. This event, titled "Re-Imagining the Criminal Justice System: Where We Were, What We’ve Done, What’s Next?" brought together criminal justice professionals to address harmful system practices, acknowledge progress, and promote diversity and equity in the criminal justice system. Co-sponsored by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement and the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, & Opportunity, the conference featured Dr. Lorenzo Boyd as the keynote speaker, who discussed the historical relationship between law enforcement and communities of color, as well as procedural and restorative justice.
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Addressing the Uptick in Motor Vehicle Thefts: A Statement

Discover the Commission's stance on the recent increase in motor vehicle thefts and the proposed causes, providing data-driven insights and advocating for evidence-based solutions.
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Taking a Stand Against Injustice: A Statement

Explore the Commission's resolute stance against racism and police brutality, delving into the historical context and steps taken to combat implicit biases within the criminal justice system.
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Report of the Jury Selection Task Force to Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson

The Commission worked with the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Jury Selection Task Force to examine the influence of racial bias in the jury selection process. After extensive analysis and consideration, the task force recommended necessary solutions to move our judiciary toward eradicating such biases from impacting the pursuit of justice in Connecticut. These recommendations were subsequently approved and ratified by Chief Justice Robinson and the Judiciary Committee on May 9, 2022.

About Us

The Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the Criminal Justice System was created by the Connecticut state legislature in 2000 (Public Act 00-154). The stated purpose of that act was “to establish a commission dedicated to eliminating racial and ethnic disparity in the criminal justice system.” During the 2015 legislative session, the Commission’s membership and charge were slightly modified with the passage of Public Act 15-109.

The Commission benefits from the diversity of its membership and the leadership of its Chair, Justice Lubbie Harper, Jr. Since Justice Harper’s appointment in 2006, the Commission has addressed such topics as juvenile justice and the prevention of juvenile entry into the criminal justice system, implicit bias, youth-police programming, access to justice, and jury instruction, to name a few.

The Commission has hosted a series of remarkable events, bringing to Connecticut such experts as Charles Ogletree, Marc Mauer, Jerry Kang and Rachel Godsil.

The Commission meets every other month at Hartford Community Court. For meeting agendas and minutes, please visit the Commission Meetings page. For a list of members, please view the Commission Members tab.

 

Honoring a Champion of Justice: Celebrating the Enshrinement of Hon. Lubbie Harper, Jr.

September 23, 2023 Commission chair, the Honorable Lubbie Harper, Jr., was enshrined into the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum in Stratford for his historical accomplishments fighting for justice in the state of Connecticut. We thank you for your remarkable achievements and congratulate you for your honor.

 
 
 

Celebrating a Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Troy Brown Named Director

The Commission would also like to recognize the Judicial Branch’s continued commitment to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion within its operations in-part by its creation of a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We also want to congratulate long-time supporter of the Commission, Troy Brown, for being named the first Director of this crucial office.

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Enabling Legislation
Sec. 51-10c. Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the Criminal Justice System. Duties. (
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Initiatives
Re-Imagining the Criminal Justice System: Where We Were, What We’ve Done, What’s Next? The Commissi
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Biennial and Annual Reports
With the passage of Public Act 15-109 during the 2015 legislative session, the Commission is require...
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