Photo: Tony Nelson
ALL RISE
Making the Case at the Capitol Kendra Saathoff, 3L, helped draft and testified on a bill that provides a means for reducing sentences for crimes committed by abuse victims KENDRA SAATHOFF, 3L, has
dedicated herself to supporting survivors of domestic violence. She’s now asking Minnesota lawmakers to join her by passing a bill that could reduce the sentences of victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or sex trafficking who commit crimes because of their abuse. Saathoff, a student director of the Law School’s Clemency Clinic, has spent the last year working with Professor JaneAnne Murray, who oversees the clinic, to draft the Survivors’ Justice Act. Saathoff and Murray recently testified in favor of the bill during
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a virtual hearing before the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee of the state House of Representatives. Under the bill, sponsored by Rep. Athena Hollins, DFL-St. Paul, judges could impose shorter sentences for the offenses abuse victims commit. Another provision would enable those previously convicted to petition for resentencing. “At the heart of this bill is the understanding that experiences of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and sex trafficking can result in criminal conduct by victims,” Saathoff told committee members, who referred the
bill, HF3856, to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. Seeking support and input from community leaders, public defenders, and county attorneys among others has “really challenged me to get outside my comfort zone” of the classroom and the nonprofit organizations where she has worked, Saathoff said. “It’s reinforced my commitment to serving survivors of domestic violence, listening to their stories, and understanding how deeply our criminal legal system impacts certain people disproportionately,” Saathoff said in an interview. “It’s been really
