A new law requires judges to order consecutive prison sentences for defendants convicted of multiple crimes involving more than one minor victim.
Under Senate Bill 1633 and House Bill 1525, judges must stack the sentences unless they find the facts do not warrant it and consecutive terms would not serve the interests of justice. The law raises questions about whether there are alternatives to prison in Tennessee.
Zoe Jamail, policy and advocacy director for the advocacy organization the Raphah Institute in Nashville, said the state should place more emphasis on accountability, repair and healing for people harmed by violence rather than relying only on prison…