Maryland lawmakers worsened criminal justice in three ways this year | GUEST COMMENTARY

During this legislative session, Maryland lawmakers had an opportunity to build a better criminal legal system, make our communities safer and our democracy more representative.

They fell short in three ways.

The status quo in Maryland and across the country is unacceptable. America is currently experiencing a mass incarceration crisis, with our prison population rising more than 500% since 1973. As a result, almost 2 million people are incarcerated in our prisons and jails.

In Maryland...