Working through Minnesota Law’s Clemency Project, Kendra Saathoff, 3L, helped draft a bill to assist victims of abuse who become entangled in the criminal justice system. The proposed legislation would allow judges to look at the past abuse as a mitigating factor in sentencing abuse victims for crimes they commit. Last March, Saathoff testified virtually on the bill before the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. (Read story.)
“Kendra led the drafting of the bill and the building of the coalition around the state of folks who are involved and are contributing their expertise to make sure it’s something that we can all get behind. We’re grateful for all the incredible work that she has put into making this bill something tangible and hopefully something that will pass in our state.”
—Katie Kramer, policy director of Violence Free Minnesota
Students have unparalleled opportunities to involve themselves in meaningful policy work while they are attending Minnesota Law. It’s a place where students get to role up their sleeves and work shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned advocates and policymakers to make a difference. Minnesota Law students have worked with a presidential transition team, testified on an amendment aimed at removing gender-specific language from the Minnesota Constitution, and advocated for legislation that would protect tenants from radon exposure to name a few examples. Learn more about experiential learning opportunities at Minnesota Law.