Handbook of Issues in Criminal Justice Reform in the United States

This handbook provides a comprehensive examination of criminal justice reform in the US from a multidisciplinary perspective, focusing on policing, policy and sentencing, reentry, treatment, and alternatives to incarceration. It emphasizes decreasing incarceration and minimizing racial, ethnic, and economic inequalities, with tangible recommendations based on evidence-based approaches.

Format: Hardback
Length: 777 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive handbook delves into a multifaceted exploration of criminal justice reform in the United States, offering a holistic perspective. It is meticulously divided into five vital domains, each providing a thorough analysis:
1. Policing: This section offers a historical overview of policing within the criminal justice system, highlighting its role in maintaining public safety and addressing crime. It also explores current issues and challenges related to police practices, such as racial profiling, excessive force, and police misconduct.
2. Policy and sentencing: This domain examines the policies and practices governing criminal sentencing, including the use of incarceration, parole, and probation. It explores the impact of these policies on individuals, communities, and the overall criminal justice system, including issues related to racial disparities, recidivism, and the cost of incarceration.
3. Reentry: Reentry refers to the process of individuals returning to society after serving time in prison or jail. This section explores the challenges faced by individuals during reentry, such as finding employment, accessing education and healthcare, and reintegrating into their families and communities. It also examines strategies for successful reentry, including programs that focus on job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health support.
4. Treatment: Treatment focuses on providing mental health and substance abuse treatment to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. It explores the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse issues among incarcerated individuals and the benefits of treatment for both individuals and society. It also discusses the challenges of implementing effective treatment programs and the need for increased funding and resources.
5. Alternatives to incarceration: Alternatives to incarceration aim to reduce the number of individuals incarcerated and address the root causes of crime. This section explores various alternatives to incarceration, such as community-based programs, restorative justice practices, and drug courts. It examines the effectiveness of these alternatives in reducing recidivism, improving public safety, and promoting social justice.
Throughout the handbook, a strong emphasis is placed on decreasing incarceration and minimizing racial, ethnic, and economic inequalities. Each section concludes with practical recommendations grounded in evidence-based approaches, aimed at shaping the future of criminal justice reform in the United States.
This invaluable resource is of immense interest to researchers, scholars, activists, and policy makers alike, providing a roadmap for progress and transformation in the field. By examining these critical domains of reform, the handbook offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding criminal justice and provides valuable insights for building a more equitable and effective criminal justice system.

Weight: 1346g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030775643
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022