Handbook on Moving Corrections and Sentencing Forward: Building on the Record

This volume discusses major issues and research in corrections and sentencing, using previous research to make recommendations for future research, evaluation, and policy. Sentencing and corrections policy changes in the US have led to increased incarceration, with federal and state guidelines reducing court discretion. Penal reform has focused on understanding transitions from prison to the community, including reentry programming. Community corrections reforms have ranged from increased surveillance to rehabilitative efforts. Pretrial reform has also been a focus to reduce jail pending trial.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 426 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume explores critical issues and cutting-edge research in corrections and sentencing, aiming to provide valuable insights for future research, evaluation, and policy. Over the past few decades, the United States has undergone significant policy shifts in sentencing and corrections, driven by the need to address criminal behavior effectively. These changes have included the elimination of parole and the implementation of harsh sentences for violent and drug-related offenses. The federal government, followed by most states, introduced sentencing guidelines that significantly limited the discretion of courts in imposing sentences. Consequently, the number of individuals incarcerated in jails and prisons has surged, reaching unprecedented levels. Additionally, efforts have been made to engage prosecutors and courts in diversion and oversight, including the development of prosecutorial diversion programs and specialized courts.

Penal reform has encompassed initiatives to understand the transitions from prison to the community, with a particular focus on federal-led reentry programming. Community corrections reforms have ranged from increased surveillance measures, such as drug testing and electronic monitoring, to rehabilitative efforts tailored to individual risk and needs assessments. More recently, pretrial reform has gained attention to reduce the number of individuals held in jail pending trial, highlighting the disproportionate impact of bail on marginalized communities.

This collection of chapters, authored by esteemed researchers in the field, provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research and developments in corrections and sentencing. The chapters cover various topics, including the effectiveness of sentencing policies, the role of rehabilitation programs, the impact of race and socioeconomic status on incarceration, and the challenges of pretrial reform. By synthesizing and analyzing this wealth of knowledge, the book offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to improve the fairness and efficiency of the criminal justice system.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367566715