"Gov. Mike Rounds has the right idea but the wrong method of getting a Native American on the state Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Good for Rounds. It's appalling that a group so over-represented in the criminal justice system is so under-represented on the parole board - as well as in law enforcement and in the courts.
But mandating such an appointment in the law is wrong. We just as easily could mandate that the board include a crime victim or a successful parolee or a member of law enforcement or a psychiatrist or any other type of person who might seem appropriate. That would be just as wrong."
Get the Story:
Editorial: Appoint, not mandate
(The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 2/26)
Preliminary Report:
Justice In
South Dakota: Does Race Make A Difference? (October 2002)
Related Stories:
Bill to add Indian to state parole board
rejected (2/23)
Indian lawmaker
introduces racial profiling bill (02/03)
Report to downplay race as factor in justice
system (07/20)
Race study
confirms disparity (10/28)
S.D. study shows disparity in
justice (10/22)
Editorial: Native American on parole board needed
Monday, February 28, 2005
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