Panel Approves Justice Reform Bill: WASHINGTON – After months of inaction, a U.S. Senate panel has approved a comprehensive review of the nation’s criminal justice system, including issues such as the disproportionate share of minorities — particularly African-Americans — in U.S. prisons.The action by the Senate Judiciary Committee sends the National Criminal Justice Commission Act to the full Senate for a vote later this year. Proposed by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., the bill would authorize a blue-ribbon commission of experts who would undertake an 18-month review.
