Sentencing Advisory Commission creates debate at hearing

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Intro:	The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys is urging lawmakers to eliminate the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.
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Wrap: Witnesses gave their opinions at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on a bill that would get rid of the Sentencing Advisory Commission.

The Commission helps courts find sentencing alternatives.

But many prosecutors don't believe the commission is effective and are in favor of the bill.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd gave examples of cases he says the Commission should have given harsher sentence recommendations to.

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Description: These cases are representative of literally thousands of outrageously lenient sentencing recomendations made by MOSAC in every county.

But Missouri Supreme Court Justice Michael Wolff says most judges in Missouri follow the Commission's recommendations.

Lawmakers will continue to review the bill.

From the State Capitol, I'm Danielle McCarthy.

Intro:	A representative from the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys is telling lawmakers the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission is unnecessary.
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Wrap: The House Judiciary Committee heard several opposing viewpoints on a controversial bill Wednesday.

If passed, the bill would abolish the Sentencing Advisory Commission.

The Commission recommends alternative sentencing to Missouri judges.

But Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd says the Commission isn't doing its job.

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Description: But the data provided by MOSAC is extrememly misleading. It's not generated in a way to yield scientifically supportable conclusions. Instead, MOSAC provides conclusions that likely mislead judges in one direction.

Missouri Supreme Court Justice Michael Wolff is one of many judges in favor of the Commission.

He says the information the Commission bases its recommendations on is comprehensive.

Lawmakers will continue to discuss the bill in the coming weeks.

From the State Capitol, I'm Danielle McCarthy.

Intro:	At Thursday's Judiciary Committee hearing Missouri witnesses squared off over a bill that could abolish the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.
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Wrap: Missouri's prisons are faced with a growing inmate population.

That's why circuit court judge Gary Oxenhandler wants to keep the Commission in place.

He says the alternative sentencing recommendations from the Commission help keep number of prisoners from being too high.

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Description: We need to recognize the distinct differences between those that we are simply mad at, and those of whom we are afraid. And of course, the distinction is often blurred.

But supporters of the bill say the Commission's punishment recommendations don't always fit the crime.

Legislators will continue to dicuss the bill.

From the State Captiol, I'm Danielle McCarthy.