Rewriting the Sentence II Summit

October 16-17, 2023

Full Summit Footage Can be Viewed at:

 

 

Summit Partners

 

The Rewriting the Sentence II Summit, presented by the Center for Justice and Human Dignity, is the long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed Rewriting the Sentence summit of 2019, hosted by The Aleph Institute at Columbia University Law School. The Summit will continue to raise awareness and promote the expanded use of alternatives to incarceration, with a special focus on how trauma impacts the criminal legal system.

Acclaim for Past Summits

We need to prove going forward what I know in my bones is the truth, which is, these [alternative sentences] work, just as they worked in the states. And they put a human face on a criminal justice system that, for the last 25-30 years, is so desperately in need of a little humanity.

Hon. John Gleeson, Former Eastern District of New York, at the Aleph Institute’s 2016 ASKS Summit, held at Georgetown Law School

I have gained so much from the presentations and met people who I hope to bring to Oregon to help boost our efforts. …I have talked about additional ways to engage and pull other players into the Institute. Please know how inspired I am from the two days that fed my soul.

Hon. Ann Aiken, District Judge for the District of Oregon

Yes, as a judge who handles approximately 1,000 federal sentencings per year, it has given me some ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas on how to approach sentencings.

Hon. Kathleen Cardone, District Judge, Western District of Texas

We are challenged day in and day out to give voice for those who otherwise have no voice. Maybe they can’t tell their story – so then we have to pick it up and tell their story. This summit has just produced a framework for us that will enable us to better tell their stories.

Hon. Bernice Donald, Former Senior United States Circuit Judge, (Fmr.) United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Reform efforts such as those discussed at the summit can provide prosecutors and judges with greater flexibility and more tools to address the facts of individual cases with greater flexibility and more tools to address the facts of individual cases and defendants, seeking to serve the twin goals of punishment and deterrence while also serving society’s compelling interest in the rehabilitation of individuals.

Hon. Emmet Sullivan, Senior United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia

I thought the summit was worthwhile for any Judge that sits on a criminal calendar. Each session was very thought-provoking and I will share the information with the other judges in my court. Thank you and those at the Institute for being great hosts.

Hon. Mark A. Violante, Chief Judge of Niagara Falls, NY

I appreciate the invitation to the conference and, more importantly, appreciate that you had it.

Hon. Leo Sorokin, District Judge for the District of Massachusetts

Very impressive. I have reviewed countless alternatives during my years on the bench. This is one that is realistic.

Hon. Thomas E. Scott, Former United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, in reference to an Aleph alternative sentencing proposal

The ASKS summit was an important step in our country’s journey towards reducing both crime and incarceration. The bipartisan nature of the event drives home that both left and right see the need to work together now to reform our criminal justice system.

Hon. Tim Purdon, Former U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota