Jesse Jackson Opposes Juvenile Crime Measure

The Rev. Jesse Jackson appealed to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to oppose Proposition 21, a state ballot measure that would allow prosecutors--instead of judges--to decide whether a juvenile must be tried as an adult for a violent crime.

“I appeal to you to take a bold step to stop the madness, to reclaim our youth and not reject them,” Jackson said.

The board was scheduled to vote Tuesday regarding the proposition, which will be on the ballot March 7. But voting was postponed for two weeks to hear testimony from other parties, a representative for Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke said.

The measure, if passed, would change rules on probation for youth offenders who commit violent crimes, allow more juveniles to be tried in adult court and require certain juvenile offenders to be held in local and state correctional facilities. Supporters, among them Gov. Gray Davis, say the purpose is to get the most violent offenders into adult court.

At a news conference before the supervisors’ meeting, representatives of community and religious groups joined Jackson in contesting the measure. One of the main issues discussed was the construction cost of new juvenile correctional facilities that would be needed if the measure is approved.

“The money can be better spent on early prevention and education, instead of on building prisons,” said Ralph Miller, president of the Deputy Probation Officers Union. “Most juveniles do rehabilitate.”