Ava DuVernay says Trump is responsible for the 1994 Crime Bill

Ava DuVernay says Former President Donald Trump is responsible for the 1994 Crime Bill signed by Former President Bill Clinton

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, also known as the 1994 Crime Bill, was a piece of legislation signed into law by then-President Bill Clinton on September 13, 1994. The bill was intended to address issues related to violent crime in the United States, including gang violence, drug trafficking, and gun violence.

The 1994 Crime Bill was a sweeping piece of legislation that had a significant impact on the criminal justice system. Some of the key provisions of the bill included:

The expansion of the federal death penalty: The bill expanded the number of federal crimes that could be punishable by death, including drug trafficking and certain crimes related to homicide.

The implementation of mandatory minimum sentences: The bill introduced mandatory minimum sentences for certain federal crimes, including drug offenses. These mandatory minimum sentences required judges to impose a specific minimum sentence, regardless of any mitigating factors.

The creation of the "three-strikes" law: The bill included a provision that required a mandatory life sentence for individuals convicted of a third violent felony or drug offense.

The provision of funding for community policing: The bill provided funding to hire 100,000 new police officers across the United States, with a focus on community policing.

The ban on assault weapons: The bill included a provision that banned the sale and manufacture of certain types of assault weapons.

The 1994 Crime Bill was controversial and has been the subject of criticism from some groups, particularly with regards to its impact on communities of color. Critics argue that the bill led to an increase in mass incarceration, particularly of people of color, and that the mandatory minimum sentences and "three-strikes" provision were overly harsh and did not take into account individual circumstances. Others argue that the bill was necessary to address the issue of violent crime in the United States and that it had a positive impact on public safety.