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CRLA WINS CRUCIAL LEGAL VICTORY TO PREVENT EARLY RELEASE OF VIOLENT CRIMINALS
Federal Court Grants Motion by California Republican Lawyers Association to Give Intervenor Status in Prison Cap Lawsuit to Assembly Republicans
The California Republican Lawyers Association won a critical victory in Federal Court yesterday when the three-judge panel considering a prison population cap granted their motion to intervene in the case. This decision allows Republicans in the State Assembly to become full participants in the proceedings.
"This is the first step to protecting public safety," said CRLA President Steve Baric. "Now we will be able to argue against a prison population cap that would put the safety of Californians at risk."
Since the CRLA filed their motion on behalf of 31 Republican Assembly members, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger filed court documents to join state and local officials in their fight to prevent the early release of dangerous criminals into California communities. Fifteen county district attorneys and 23 county sheriffs and chief probation officers joined the Governor in the prison overcrowding case against the state.
"We appreciate the support of the Governor and law enforcement organizations in our effort to stop the court from imposing a cap on the inmate population," continued Baric. "The decision by the federal court emboldens all of our efforts to prevent releasing violent criminals back onto the streets."
-See corresponding press release from the Assembly Republican Caucus below.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE - ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN CAUCUS, MIKE VILLINES, LEADER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - CONTACT: Jennifer McDaniel (916) 319-2029
August 17, 2007
FEDERAL COURTS GRANT ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS INTERVENOR STATUS IN PRISON CAP CASE
Republicans Will Defend Bipartisan Reforms, Mandatory Sentencing Laws
SACRAMENTO – Assembly Republicans today won a critical victory in federal court, when the three-judge panel considering a prison population cap granted their motion to "intervene" in the case, allowing them to become full participants in the proceedings.
"Today's important legal victory allowing us to become active participants in this case is just the first step in what will be a lengthy court battle over a prison population cap," said Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, of Fresno. "We look forward to having the opportunity to make our case before the court as we fight to defend the bipartisan prison reforms in Assembly Bill 900 and protect Californians from the early release of dangerous criminals."
As a result of today's ruling, Republican lawmakers now have the legal standing to defend bipartisan prison reforms and mandatory-sentencing laws as active participants in this case. They will also be able to file motions and participate in the legal arguments and proceedings.
Thirty-one Assembly Republicans signed onto the lawsuit, which was filed on August 13, and are represented in court by attorney Steven Kaufhold, with the San Francisco law firm Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld, which is handing the case as part of their commitment to pro bono work. GOP lawmakers have also been working with Steve Baric, attorney-at-law, of the California Republican Lawyers Association. They are also currently working with the Speaker's office, which says it has a keen interest in a separate filing by the Assembly.
Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, R – Orange, the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Prison Construction and Operations is spearheading the lawsuit on behalf of Assembly Republicans.
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