NCJ Number
238835
Editor(s)
Marc Mauer,
Kate Epstein
Date Published
2012
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This publication contains essays from 25 leading scholars and practitioners on their strategic vision for the next 25 years of criminal justice reform.
Abstract
Issues addressed in this collection include racial justice strategies, linking public health and criminal justice reform, challenging the war on drugs, and the viability of fiscal pressures as a focus for reform. These 25 essays are broad-ranging both in vision and strategy. They contain the perspectives of leading thinkers in the field, including academics, practitioners, and policy advocates. One author, for example, presents a compelling argument for how fiscal imperatives can focus policymaker attention on evidence-based approaches to reducing institutional populations. But another author makes an equally compelling argument for why a reliance on fiscal arguments has little basis for success absent a shift in the political environment in which these issues are addressed. A number of authors promote various public education strategies designed to encourage a more rational public debate on criminal justice. These include assessments about the potential leadership roles to be played by policymakers, practitioners, leaders in disadvantaged communities, and individuals who have been through the criminal justice system. Others write on the means by which to convey convincing and comprehensive messages about the need for reform. Some contributors stress disseminating information about the success stories of recent years and the opportunity to engage in ongoing research to identify strategies for change. Others promote consideration on the strategic role of race in addressing criminal justice policy, the need to focus on issues specific to women, and how to frame juvenile justice policy that promotes compassionate and effective treatment for all.