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State GOP aims to reform criminal justice system

By , Daily Memphian Published: May 19, 2021 4:00 AM CT
<strong>Republican Party leaders in Tennessee and around the country are proposing criminal justice reforms.&nbsp;&ldquo;For me, it&rsquo;s a freedom and liberty issue,&rdquo; said Rep. Michael Curcio (R-Dickson), who chairs the House Criminal Justice Committee.</strong> (Mark Humphrey/Associated Press file)

Republican Party leaders in Tennessee and around the country are proposing criminal justice reforms. “For me, it’s a freedom and liberty issue,” said Rep. Michael Curcio (R-Dickson), who chairs the House Criminal Justice Committee. (Mark Humphrey/Associated Press file)

Tennessee jails people at a higher rate than average, but hasn’t seen results in reducing crime or recidivism. Republicans have responded with reforms they argue will lead states to save money and keep people out of jail who don’t need to be there.

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Ian Round

Ian Round

Ian Round is The Daily Memphian’s state government reporter based in Nashville. He came to Tennessee from Maryland, where he reported on local politics for Baltimore Brew. He earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland in December 2019.