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Terry Branstad on Crime
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Rehabilitation over punishment to reduce recidivism
We are seeing a decline in our prison population and a reduction in recidivism. We are more focused on providing individuals with skills they need to have rewarding careers upon release, including apprenticeships within the institutions.
The Department of Corrections has reduced phone fees as increased communications between inmates and their families can lead to a lower rate of reoffending. And in many cases, tax dollars are better spent on rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Iowa legislature
, Jan 12, 2016
Investigate wrongful convictions, especially for racial bias
We need to take steps to make sure that when our criminal justice system does impose punishment, that we punish the right person and that race does not play a role.In the executive branch we recently established a new Wrongful Conviction Division
to investigate wrongful convictions of innocent people. These efforts will not only bring justice for those who have been wrongfully incarcerated, but will protect public safety by ensuring the right person is held responsible when a crime is committed.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Iowa legislature
, Jan 12, 2016
Retroactively allow DNA evidence for all felony convictions
- Authorizes an individual who was previously convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor but was not required to submit a DNA sample to ask the court to order that DNA analysis be performed on the evidence used for his or her conviction.
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A person against whom a conviction for a felony or aggravated misdemeanor has been entered shall be required to submit a DNA sample for DNA profiling.
- Passed Senate 29-20-1, May 1, 2013; Signed by governor May 15, 2013
Source: Iowa legislative voting records for H.F. 527
, May 15, 2013
Supports capital punishment for certain crimes.
Branstad supports the CC survey question on capital punishment
The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.
The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Capital punishment for certain crimes, such as first degree murder & terrorism"
Source: Christian Coalition Survey 10-CC-q8 on Aug 11, 2010
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021