The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-01-16
Liberal Viewpoint
by DIR. HARRY ELMER BARNES

THE attorney generals conference on crime
Il which was held at Washington last month
probably had more public prestige than anv
other meeting Of its kind in recent years. It's
resolutions have now been made available to the
public. They are highly enlightening and we
may hope that the distinction and public char
acter of those behind these resolutions will give
them some practical consequence beyond the
realm of commendable rhetoric.
In general the conference condemns: "Cl) The
unsafe, insanitary and insecure conditions which
| exist in many local fails throughout the coun-
! try; 90 the possession of firearms by irrespon-
| sible persons and known criminals; CD the &C
tvities of lawyer criminals "a the protection
which is too often given to professional criminals
and racketeers by persons in professional, busi-
ness, political and official positions; 90 the gen.
orally prevalent abuse of bail, and CD similar
generally recognized evils in criminal law adj
ministraton."
At time when the parole problem is an
especially controversial issue the declarations of
the conference on this subject are very sane and
timely:
1.-The conference deplores the abuse of the
parole and the pardon power as tending to I'M
dermine respect for law and order. Parole when
courageously and lntelllgently applied is an
integral and necessary part of protective penal
system"
THE Conference recommends the continued
L. use Of parole as the safest method of re-
lease from prison, but under the following min
imum conditions:
81. The minimum and maximum of indeter-
inmate sentences should be compatible with ade-
quate punishment, rehabilitation and public
welfare and protection.
2. Paroles should be granted only by full
time salaried board of duly qualified persons.
80 Full information should be available and
sought for the use of the board as to the pris-
oners' records, habits, environment, family and
prospects.
81 The names of all persons ndorsing pris-
oner for parole should be made public on request
of the press or any responsible person or organ
ization.
IS No parole should be granted except where
adequate employment and rigid supervision are
provided.
IS. Adequate appropriations must be provided
for obtaining requisite data and furnishing
necessary supervision.
81 One parole officer should not be expected
to supervise more than number to whom he
can give adequate attention.
g. No political or other improper influence
shall be tolerated
g. Machinery should be provided for the
prompt revocation of any parole when continu-
ance at liberty is not in the public interest"
THOSE who are disappointed at the failure to
Il pass the parole bill in New York state last
year Will 90 well to consider these recommended
lions ana formulate a bill in harmony with
them 1t will be difficult for the reactionaries
to organize a convincing case against such a
bill. O'- "
Especially gratifying were the resolutions
accepted by the conference designed to remedy
the more fragrant abuses of trial by Jury in
criminal cases:
Specifically, it recommends the following
provisions:
Il. Giving the accused the privilege of elect
ing whether he shall be tried by jury or the
court alone
2 Permitting the impanelng of alternate or
extra Jurors to serve in the case of the disability
OF dlSquaIlhcat1on of any juror during trial
s. permitting trial upon information as we'll
as Indictment. Where indictment by grand urv
remains constitutional requirement.. waiver
should be allowed
4. Providing for jury verdcts in criminal
cases oy less than a unanimous vote except in
Tie case OF certain ma jor felonieS
D. Adopting a principle that criminal de-
ienoaht offering claim of alibi or insanity in
MS defense shall be required to give advance
hoClce TO the prosecution of this fact and of the
circumstances to be offered and that in the
absence OF such notice plea of insanity or a
oeIenSe based on an albi shall not be permitted
upon trial except in extraordinary cases in the
discretion of the judge
o. Adopting rule permitting court and COIN
sci 10 comment to the jury on the failure of q
defendant ia criminal case to testify in his
own behalf" 49, -44'