Baltimore officials and politicians are considering setting up what's known as a gun court in the city to expedite prosecution of minor gun-related charges in an effort to divert those charged into programs that offer resources and support services instead incarcerating them, much like drug court.
The office has been enduring a wave of departures, at both the trial prosecutor and leadership positions, which officials have attributed to caseload and pay disparities.
Can Baltimore end the War on Drugs? With move to decriminalize, state s attorney leads way
Justin Fenton
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Baltimore In Portugal, where drugs were decriminalized two decades ago, anyone found with drugs goes before a panel made up of legal, health and social work professionals who refer them to treatment. As Oregon decriminalized drugs earlier this year following a referendum, tax revenue from marijuana sales was allotted for increased public health support.
But in Baltimore, where State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby in March cut the cord on possession arrests that have been falling for many years, the city is only inching toward establishing a wider public health response.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby last month cut the cord on possession arrests that have been falling for many years, but the city is only inching toward establishing a wider public health response, and residents are voicing concern and frustration.