Examples Of Collateral Consequences In America

Collateral Consequences in America The term “collateral consequences” refers to barriers to societal integration that follow the completion of a sentence imposed upon one with a criminal record. Historically these consequences applied primarily to inheritance and property rights. The modern form of collateral consequences first appeared in 1898 when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a restriction in New York law which banned individuals with a felony record from practicing medicine. Today, these barriers often interfere with the ability to secure housing, employment, education, and other basic necessities for life. While some employers, landlords, and educational institutions are willing to allow returning neighbors the opportunity to prove their commitment to living positively, many are simply unwilling to accept individuals with any criminal record as a tenant, employee, or student because of liability and safety concerns or perceived societal pressures.
According to the best estimates available, there are more than sixty-five million Americans who have a criminal record. In 2015, more than 640,000 returning neighbors returned to their community from state and federal prison. These individuals face significant
Every person is endowed with human dignity and the ideas of redemption and second chances are core American values that must be maintained and protected. Once a debt to society is paid in full, extending a second chance is a fair and necessary proposition. People with a past can still have a bright future and our communities stand to benefit from the contributions of returning neighbors if we equip them to be