Julián Castro announced his vision for criminal justice reform, which includes a provision to raise the age limit in the juvenile court system to 21.
In a post to Medium, Castro unveiled his “First Chance Plan,” which outlines the policies he would push as president to reform the criminal system in the United States.
He noted that he wants the criminal justice system to become a “restorative justice system,” utilizing a holistic approach that includes a focus on affordable housing, healthcare access, and improving public schools.
“The fact is that many folks do not even have a first chance, much less a second one,” Castro wrote, later adding, “Today, the criminal justice system punishes poverty and communities of color more than it advances justice.”
One provision of his plan increases the maximum age to participate in the juvenile justice system from 18 to 21.
“We must transform our entire criminal justice system into a restorative justice system,” he explained. “That starts with reforming the juvenile justice system by ending the criminalization of youth, expanding the juvenile system to age 21, and keeping the records of minors confidential.”
Beyond raising the juvenile age to 21, Castro proposed legalizing marijuana, ending the cash bail system, outlawing mandatory sentencing minimums, and restoring the voting rights of convicted felons after they served.
While Castro plans to raise the age limit to participate in the juvenile court system, he hopes to lower the voting age to 17.
The current voting age is set at 18 per the 26th Amendment, which ensured those old enough to be drafted were old enough to vote.
[Read more: Julián Castro says failing to make 2020 debate will mark ‘end of my campaign’]
