ILLINOIS
We are excited to highlight the GOOD work of Marlon Chamberlain at the Fully Free Campaign. The Fully Free Campaign, the first of its kind in the nation, is working towards eliminating permanent punishments and providing hope and opportunity for justice-impacted individuals through policy change.
The Need To End Permanent Punishments
The Fully Free campaign is an initiative that seeks to bring attention to the issue of punishment in the criminal legal system and how it affects individuals, families, and communities. The campaign acknowledges that the punishments handed down by the criminal justice system are often intentional barriers that restrict people’s rights and opportunities. These punishments can have long-term consequences that continue to impact individuals and communities long after they have served their time.
Since 1979, an estimated 3.3 million adults have been arrested or convicted of a crime in Illinois alone. These individuals may have faced a range of punishments, including fines, probation, incarceration, and parole. While these punishments are intended to hold individuals accountable for their actions, they can also have severe and long-lasting consequences.
One of the most significant consequences of the criminal justice system’s punishments is the restriction of rights and opportunities. Individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a crime may find it difficult to obtain employment, housing, or education. They may also face restrictions on their ability to vote, own a firearm, or travel outside the country. These restrictions can have a significant impact on individuals’ ability to rebuild their lives after serving their sentence.
The criminal justice system also disproportionately impacts Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Research has shown that these communities are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to harsher punishments than their white counterparts. This disparity can have severe consequences for families and communities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality that can last for generations.
The Fully Free campaign recognizes that these issues are not just problems for individuals and families but also for society as a whole. By bringing attention to the issue of punishment in the criminal justice system and advocating for change, the campaign hopes to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.
