ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On Jan. 12, Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue launched the Maryland Justice Partnership, a new statewide initiative aimed at turning years of criminal justice research and recommendations into concrete reform.
Announced just ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session, the partnership brings together state agencies, legal experts, community organizations and people directly impacted by the justice system. Organizers say the goal is to move beyond study and discussion and focus on implementation.
The Maryland Justice Partnership builds on the work of the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative, which concluded its work last year after developing a set of 18 recommendations addressing issues such as racial inequities, sentencing practices, youth justice and reentry challenges. While that group focused largely on analysis, the new partnership is designed to coordinate action, policy changes and legislative strategy.
Dartigue said the recommendations reflect years of community input and professional expertise and stressed that the new effort is about accountability and follow-through. Participants will work across issue areas including pretrial reform, behavioral health, community safety, sentencing fairness, youth justice and reentry support.
A major priority for the partnership during the current legislative session is advancing bills that stalled in previous years, including proposals to limit when young people can be charged as adults and to expand diversion and treatment options.
Organizers described the Maryland Justice Partnership as a shift in approach for the state, moving from fragmented reform efforts toward a coordinated strategy with shared goals. As lawmakers begin debating justice-related legislation this session, advocates hope the partnership will help translate research and recommendations into measurable change across Maryland’s criminal justice system.
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That’s the best way to lower crime rates. Just do away with charging people with criminal acts in the name of justice when they do break the law, thus no crime committed and crime rates go down. Just a wonderful idea.
One would guess old AG Brown’nose’ will be running for Governor soon, at a mismanaged polling place near you.
Hey pitchfork and torch Folks, what do you do with substance abuse, mentally disturbed and homeless individuals? Charge them with something, throw them in jail and then publicly humiliate them. How do their crimes affect you directly? It just gives you someone to point a finger at so you can feel morally superior. Once these Folks step into the criminal justice system then it’s like tar… you NEVER get it off. Are you really interested in rehabilitation or just punishment for your entertainment. There but for the Grace of God go I. Maybe do some self examination you miserable laggards.