Squadron on Senate Codes Action On “Kalief's Law” to Fix NY's Speedy Trial Crisis

ALBANY – State Senator Daniel Squadron released the following statement on the Senate Codes Committee's decision to postpone a vote to later this session, with full committee presence, on 'Kalief's Law’ (S1998A), to reform New York's broken speedy trial law:

 “The right to a speedy trial is enshrined in the Constitution, but too often disregarded by a criminal justice system in New York that takes too long to deliver justice.

“The Codes Committee Chair and Vice Chair committing to include Kalief's Law on an agenda later this session means there is still a path to consideration by the whole Senate -- and truly addressing this crisis.

“Bipartisan, unanimous passage in the Assembly shows this isn’t a Democrat or Republican issue -- it's about ensuring basic constitutional rights for all New Yorkers.

“It's urgent the Senate affirm support for a more just criminal justice system by passing Kalief's Law. Thank you to Senators Lanza and Savino, Assemblymember Aubry, Katal, JLUSA, Working Families, Legal Aid, VOCAL, the Browder family, and the many advocates, organizations, and impacted New Yorkers calling for a better system.”

 ---

Squadron introduced Kalief’s Law following Kalief Browder’s death, and has previously written about the measure in the Daily News and New York Times, and to the New York City Council.