How to Think about Criminal Justice Reform: Conceptual and Practical Considerations (original) (raw)

Obstacles to the Implementation of Criminal Justice Reform

2021

Mass incarceration or overincarceration has gained significant attention over the last two decades, and criminal justice reform seeks to address it. This study uses constructivist grounded theory to examine the implementation of criminal justice reform legislation in Mississippi. Mississippi was chosen as the study setting because the state has been recognized as a national leader in enacting reform legislation and it has one of the nation’s highest incarceration rates. It is well established that policy implementation affects outcomes. Therefore, if the policies Mississippi is implementing are effective and they are implemented correctly, it stands to reason the state could benefit substantially from successful implementation. In other words, implementation should very much matter in Mississippi. The purpose of this dissertation was to build a set of theories that identify and explain obstacles to the implementation of criminal justice reform. The researcher applied Charmaz’s (2014...

Narrowing the Gate: Options for Criminal Justice Reform

Nearly twenty-five years ago, crime rates hovered at near-historic highs. Citizens complained that a " revolving door " system of justice was ineffective at curbing crime, and lawmakers rushed to unveil a broad array of policy reforms to address the concern that the system was " too soft " on crime. Some policies focused on prevention efforts, such as expanded outreach efforts for at-risk youth, but most focused on policy reforms that made the entire system tougher for offenders. Among the most visible policies, " three-strikes-and-you're out " sentencing laws imposed lengthy sentences on repeat offenders, and " truth-in-sentencing " laws reduced good-time credits for those incarcerated for violent crimes. Other policies enhanced resources for policing efforts, restricted prosecutors from plea-bargaining, and mandated that judges impose automatic sentencing enhancements for drug offenses and crimes committed with a gun. The juvenile justice system also became more punitive. Young offenders were increasingly subjected to intensive supervision or placed in residential correctional facilities, and in more than a dozen states, juveniles accused of certain crimes were treated as adults.

Transforming penal institutions from punitive to reform centers

TRANSFORMING PENAL INSTITUTIONS FROM PUNITIVE TO REFORM CENTERS , 2024

In the journey towards a more just and humane society, the transformation of penal institutions plays a pivotal role. This book, "Transforming Penal Institutions: From Punitive to Reform Centers," delves into the critical shift needed in our approach to criminal justice. Moving away from punitive measures towards rehabilitation and reintegration, this book explores the multifaceted aspects of reforming penal institutions to create spaces that foster growth, healing, and societal reintegration. Through a comprehensive examination of evidence-based practices, restorative justice principles, and community involvement, this book advocates for a paradigm shift in how we view and interact with individuals within the criminal justice system. By prioritizing rehabilitation, addressing root causes of criminal behavior, and promoting reentry support, we can build a system that not only holds individuals accountable for their actions but also provides them with the tools and opportunities for positive change. As we navigate the complexities of transforming penal institutions into reform centers, this book serves as a guide for policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and individuals passionate about creating a more equitable and effective justice system. By embracing innovation, compassion, and collaboration, we can pave the way for a future where penal institutions are not just places of punishment, but centers of transformation and hope. Join us on this transformative journey as we envision a world where justice is restorative, rehabilitation is paramount, and second chances are not just words but fundamental principles guiding our approach to criminal justice

Obstacles to Reform in Juvenile Corrections: A Case Study

Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 1990

Many criminal justice practitioners and academics seem to view the law as self executing. They also seem to believe that desired changes naturally follow legal reform. In this paper, we examine practices in one state relative to compliance with the jail removal mandate of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Our analyses suggest that legal reform, standing alone, may more likely result in counterproductive reactions than in those consistent with reform goals. Discussion centers on the need for inducements and resources to motivate and facilitate achievement of JJDPA reforms.

Reforming Crime and Punishment Policies the Right Way

Over two decades ago, crime rates were at historic highs, so state lawmakers responded by promoting a range of " tough-on-crime " policies. Lengthy prison sentences and mandatory penalties for drug users, gun users, and repeat offenders delivered on the promise that " those who do the crime will receive more time. " The federal government followed suit, adopting mandatory sentences of its own and offering financial incentives to states that adopted " Truth-in-Sentencing " policies, requiring violent offenders to serve at least 85 percent of their prison sentences. Although experts still disagree as to why, following these changes, crime rates did decrease – rapidly. Some credit aggressive " zero-tolerance " policing practices, such as those adopted in New York, while others argue that longer sentences effectively incapacitated career criminals and sent a strong message that crime does not pay. Still others believe that the drop was unrelated to policy changes, but, instead, linked to a demographic reduction in the number of crime-prone youth and young adults. Whatever the cause – and it is likely a combination of all these things-voters associated tougher penalties with successful crime prevention strategies. Up until now, lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle have been reluctant to challenge the status quo. The California Effect However, the political climate has recently changed. Crime is at near-historic lows, and attention has shifted away from the imposition of tougher sentences to concern about record-high prison populations, incarceration costs, and the disproportionate impact of mass imprisonment borne by minority communities. Much of this concern has been prompted by changing circumstances in California. A protracted court battle over impacted prison facilities led to a historic federal takeover of the state's correctional system in 2005. The state was ordered to dramatically reduce its prison population by 2013 or federal courts would begin releasing inmates on its own.