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Clinton calls parts of 1994 crime bill 'a mistake'

Parts of the 1994 crime “were a mistake,” Hillary Clinton said during Sunday night's debate, adding that she would work to limit mandatory minimum sentences and end incarceration for low-level offenders.

The criticism of the law, which was signed by President Bill Clinton, came as the former Secretary of State worked to defend her previous support for legislation that is unpopular among African Americans, many of whom blame it for high incarceration rates in their communities.

Clinton's other defense: “Senator Sanders voted for that bill, we both supported it,” Clinton said. “Because back then there was an outcry over the rising crime rate, and people from all communities were asking that action be taken.”

Clinton added that former President Bill Clinton has said the bill solved problems but created others. She noted that provisions regarding domestic violence have been successful. Still, she vowed to fight the problems created by the bill. "That’s why the very first speech that I gave was about criminal justice reform and ending the era of mass incarceration, because I believe absolutely that too many families were broken up, too many communities were adversely affected,” Clinton said.

She called for police officers to wear body cameras among other steps to improve police-community relations.

As moderator Don Lemon pushed the issue, Clinton again pivoted to Sanders’ vote.

“Well, Senator Sanders voted for it as well. Are you going to ask him the same question?” she asked.

She also promised a “very comprehensive” plan.