They strive for a less punitive criminal justice system that is focused more on prevention and diversion.

Nineteen district attorneys, state attorneys and attorneys general from different states, some of them newly elected and not yet in office, met in Houston Friday to discuss their vision of a more progressive criminal justice system.

They strive for a system that is less punitive and focused more on prevention and diversion.

Harris County DA Kim Ogg said while the prosecutors have different ideas on the exact ways of how to achieve this in their respective jurisdictions, they all agree on a fairer system that also protects the community.

"It's a false choice to have to choose between reforms and public safety," she said. "In fact, this group believes that reforms actually make us safer."

The prosecutors were brought together by the group Fair and Just Prosecution, which advocates for criminal justice reform.

The group has published a list of 21 principles meant as a guide for prosecutors.

It includes recommendations such as not seeking cash bail for nonviolent offenders, trying to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and moving away from the death penalty.

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