Sheehy Introduces Bill to Hold Soft-on-Crime Judges Accountable

U.S. SENATE – Senator Tim Sheehy today introduced the Judicial Accountability for Irresponsible Leniency (JAIL) Act to allow for civil action against judges and other government entities who release violent criminals without bail.

“The most solemn duty of government is to protect its people, but too often, radical judges in far-left jurisdictions prioritize soft sentencing for criminals over common sense and public safety, allowing violent offenders to wreak havoc in our communities at the expense of innocent, law-abiding Americans. It’s time to end the revolving door of the criminal justice system and hold accountable the government officials who refuse to uphold the law and keep American families safe,” said Senator Sheehy.

The bill follows the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, by Decarlos Brown, Jr., who had been released several times despite a lengthy criminal record. The House companion of the JAIL Act was introduced by Congressman Randy Fine (R-Fla.) in September. 

Background:

Thanks to soft-on-crime policies, judges have neglected justice served to the fullest extent of the law, putting public safety at risk and instead prioritizing criminals over law-abiding Americans. Victims of violent crime, their families, and Americans who want safe streets deserve justice with the assurance that judges will not minimize violent crime by releasing the offender early, using loose probation or bail requirements. The revolving door of the criminal justice system extends a violent and dangerous cycle of criminal behavior that rewards the offender and disregards the victim and the victim’s family.

The JAIL Act allows for civil action against judges and other government entities who release habitual offenders of violent crimes without bail. Should the covered defendant harm another person while on bail pending trial, the victim — or the victim’s immediate family — may bring a civil action against the judge or other government entity in an appropriate district court of the U.S. to seek damages. It is worth noting that judicial immunity is not a defense in a civil action under this legislation.

Read more on the JAIL Act HERE. Read the full text of the bill HERE.