Each person should be judged on his or her merits and not on stereotypes, prejudice, or stigma, and have a second chance to establish him or herself in a law abiding life with the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Maximizing the chance that people with criminal records can successfully assume the responsibilities of independent, law-abiding citizens is a critical component of guaranteeing and reinforcing the community's legitimate interest in public safety. (After Prison: Roadblocks to Reentry: A Report on State Legal Barriers Facing People With Criminal Records -- By the Legal Action Center)