News Release
For Immediate Release
April 19, 2010
Contact: Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

Senator Greenleaf to Introduce Senate Resolution Following Today's Hearing on Philadelphia's Criminal Justice System 

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf (R, Montgomery/Bucks), met in Philadelphia to discuss problems facing the city's criminal justice system, based on the findings of the December 2009 Philadelphia Inquirer investigative report, Justice: Delayed, Dismissed, Denied. 

Faced with an increasing rate of violent crime, rampant witness intimidation, and difficulty collecting bail, city courts and law enforcement officials have been overwhelmed.   

After hearing from witnesses including Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams; Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Justice Seamus P. McCaffery; and representatives of the justice and law enforcement community, Greenleaf announced that he would introduce a Senate Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to assemble an advisory committee of stakeholders to study Philadelphia's criminal justice system and make recommendations to the State Senate based on its findings.  

“These problems are not just unique to Philadelphia,” said Greenleaf.  “Every county can benefit from this study and apply its findings.  Today's witnesses were in agreement that we must work together on these issues.  I look forward to working with law enforcement and court officials to improve the justice system in Philadelphia and all of Pennsylvania.”