Criminal Justice Reform

Criminal Justice Reform

Promoting a just and equitable society is at the root of State Representative Robyn Gabel’s work. Pressing for necessary reforms to our criminal justice system, especially for juveniles, is one of Robyn’s primary missions.

Robyn has worked to address the harmful effects of mass incarceration by:

  • Protecting minors from juvenile detention centers: One of Robyn’s top priorities for years has been ending juvenile detention in Illinois. Studies show that even one night in jail can change the trajectory of a young person’s life forever. Robyn has worked to end the detention of young children under 13 and provide effective alternatives to incarceration and key services to set them on the right path.

  • Supporting legalization of cannabis for adult recreational use to address systemic inequalities by ending the disproportionate criminalization of minority communities, expunging past convictions for misdemeanors, and providing economic access to a growing industry.

  • Reinstating parole for juveniles under age 21 by creating mid-sentence parole consideration for those 20 or under when the crime occurred – except in extreme offenses. This gives young people a second chance at a full and productive life.