More changes may be on the horizon for the American criminal justice system. Today, a major report is slated to be released by The Constitution Project (TCP). I’ll be “attending” a press conference on the topic in about half an hour (ah, the wonders of technology).

I’ll report later on what I hear about its new report, titled “Smart on Crime.” But the bigger story may be the odd bedfellows that are pulling up the covers together, in this and other ventures.

Previously, I mentioned the Right on Crime campaign, which features conservative leaders insisting on things like shorter criminal sentences and more community-based re-entry opportunities for those released from prisons and jails.

In the same vein, here is how TCP describes its mission:

The Constitution Project (TCP) brings together unlikely allies—experts and practitioners from across the political spectrum—in order to promote and safeguard America’s founding charter.  TCP is working to reform the nation’s broken criminal justice system and to strengthen the rule of law through scholarship, consensus policy reforms, advocacy, and public education. 

Ariz. Rep. Linda Gray, R-Glendale

Here are the “Smart on Crime report” contributors who will participate in the press conference:

  • Brian Walsh, Senior Legal Research Fellow, The Heritage Foundation
  • Julie Stewart, Founder and President, Families Against Mandatory Minimums
  • Nicole Austin-Hillery, Director and Counsel, Brennan Center for Justice Washington D.C. office
  • Christopher Durocher, Government Affairs Counsel- Criminal Justice Program,
    The Constitution Project
  • Margy Love, attorney specializing in executive clemency  

TCP adds that “Kirk Bloodsworth, the first person sentenced to death row to be exonerated by DNA evidence, did not contribute to the report, but will comment on the importance of death penalty reforms.”

Ariz. Rep. David Burnell Smith, R-Scottsdale

Here in Arizona, we read this unique news story in the Arizona Republic. It is about two Republican legislators and their conflicting views on how we should reduce the length and severity of sentences for those convicted of drunk driving.

Yes, I said “Republican” and “reduce sentences.”

The spur came from one legislator, David Burnell Smith, who is also a criminal defense lawyer. He offered a bill that would eliminate the ignition-interlock device, currently required of those convicted of a first offense (Arizona has some of the strictest drunk-driving laws in the nation).

In response to the risk that his bill would become law, Republican Linda Gray offered a bill that would require the device for six months on first offense, rather than a year.

However such possibilities arise, it’s fascinating to see such a dialogue from both sides of the aisle.