Martin O'Malley Aims To Set The Bar On Criminal Justice With Comprehensive Reform Plan. [View all]

The proposal is the most detailed offering by any candidate so far.

Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley on Friday released a sweeping plan to reform the U.S. criminal justice system, a move that could set the bar for candidates from both parties as they seek to stake a claim on the issue.

In a nine-page document, the former Maryland governor outlined a set of progressive policies designed to address issues like reform of police, prisons and sentencing; restoring felon voting rights; declassifying marijuana as a Schedule I drug; and overhauling the nation's approach to addiction and mental health.

"America’s criminal justice system is badly in need of reform," reads an introduction to O'Malley's plan. "For too long our justice system has reinforced our country’s cruel history of racism and economic inequality -- remaining disconnected from our founding ideals of life, liberty, and equal treatment under the law."

(Read the entire plan below.)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/martin-omalley-criminal-justice_55bba105e4b0d4f33a02913e