NCJ Number
245813
Date Published
January 2014
Length
20 pages
Annotation
These policy reforms outlined in this report document changes in sentencing, probation and parole, collateral consequences and juvenile justice.
Abstract
Findings show that the United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world, with some 7.2 million Americans under correctional supervision. During 2013, legislators in at least 31 States adopted 47 criminal justice policies that may help to reduce the prison population, improve juvenile justice outcomes, and eliminate the barriers that marginalize people with criminal records. This report documents reforms in 31 States in both the adult and juvenile justice systems, including: expanding alternatives to incarceration for drug offenses; policies to reduce returns to prison for supervision violators; and comprehensive juvenile justice measures that emphasize prevention and diversion. Recommendations include: limiting the use of incarceration as a sentencing option; expanding alternatives to incarceration for juveniles; and scaling back collateral consequences.