Governor Rendell Signs Bill Creating Commission to Probe Juvenile Justice System

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell
today signed legislation creating a blue-ribbon panel composed of executive,
legislative, and judicial appointees who will investigate injustices suffered
by juveniles that stood before former Luzerne County judges Mark Ciavarella
and Michael Conahan and seek solutions to prevent future miscarriages of
justice.

"These judges violated the rights of as many as 6,000 young people by denying
them basic rights to counsel and handing down outrageously excessive
sentences," said Governor Rendell. "The lives of these young people and their
families were changed forever. But beyond the perversion of justice for the
immediate victims, these crimes cast a shadow on our entire juvenile justice
system and raise the question just how such an audacious plot could have gone
on for years."

House Bill 1648, sponsored by Rep. Todd Eachus, will create the Interbranch
Commission on Juvenile Justice, with four members appointed by Supreme Court
Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille, four members appointed by the General
Assembly, and three members appointed by Governor Rendell. The commission will
hold monthly meetings and public hearings, and it will have subpoena power.

"In contrast to the partisan atmosphere that too often permeates the Capitol,
the creation of this commission has truly been a team effort," said Governor
Rendell. "All parties in every branch of government have come together with
the shared goals of finding answers, restoring confidence in our juvenile
justice system, and making sure this never happens again."

The bill takes effect immediately and sets out a 25-day timeline for
appointing the commission's members and a 45-day deadline for the commission's
first meeting. The commission must submit a report of its findings and
recommendations by May 31, 2010.

Also this week, Governor Rendell privately signed the House Bill 1654 (Rep.
Peter Daley), which updates the state's mortgage lending laws to comply with
federal statutes. To view the text of legislation, visit the General Assembly
on the Web at www.legis.state.pa.us. For more information about Governor
Rendell and his administration, visit www.pa.gov.

CONTACT:
Ken Snyder
717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Ken Snyder of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116