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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 20, 2022 02:21 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mike Zabel |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Modernizing the Pennsylvania Crimes Code |
| In 1972, the Pennsylvania Legislature enacted the modern crimes code, which consisted of 282 carefully graded criminal offenses and suboffenses. However, since its enactment, the crimes code has exploded to contain over 1500 offenses and suboffenses, many of which significantly overlap with or contradict other existing laws. This has resulted in a disjointed and irrational crimes code which is difficult for citizens to fully understand and for courts to interpret. This can also allow offenders to escape justice as our confusing patchwork of offenses makes it difficult for legislators to identify and fix gaps and loopholes in criminal liability. For this reason, I will be introducing a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish a bipartisan task force to study issues within the crimes code, including overlapping and duplicative offenses, improper offense grading, and gaps in criminal liability. The task force would be required to provide recommendations on how to remedy any issues they discover. This study would be an important first step toward reforming our convoluted crimes code. Please join me in creating a fairer, more effective, and more rational criminal justice system. |
Introduced as HR223