Last week Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf, along with eight other senators, proposed a resolution that would create an advisory panel to investigate Philadelphia’s criminal courts and put forth recommendations for improvement.

Senator Greenleaf stated that he was prompted to act in part due to December’s Inquirer series on the failings of the Philadelphia criminal justice system. The advisory panel would consist of about 30 volunteers of prosecutors, defense attorneys, police, judges, crime victims and witnesses, prison officials and probation officers, and others, who would work with Greenleaf and other senators. The panel would have 18 months to complete its report.

The resolution must be approved by a state Senate majority but Greenleaf expressed confidence that it would pass.

The proposal has received criticism from Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille. In March, Castille, along with fellow Justice Seamus McCaffery, named a 12-member panel of judges, lawyers, and other experts to conduct a comprehensive review of the Philadelphia criminal justice system. The Chief Justice stated, “We already have a panel of experts. There is no necessity at this time for anyone to come in.”

Read Senator Greenleaf’s proposed resolution here.

Read the Philadelphia Inquirer article on Chief Justice Castille’s response here.