The Crisis in America's Criminal Courts: Improving Criminal Justice Outcomes by Transforming Decision-Making

The Crisis in the American Criminal Courts highlights the need for evidence-based reforms to provide professional clinical experts to assess and advise on mitigating circumstances that bring individuals into the courts, rebalance incarceration, manage risk, and change the culture of the courthouse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Crisis in the American Criminal Courts is a multifaceted issue that encompasses a range of challenges faced by judges,prosecutors,and public defenders within an ineffective,unfair,and costly criminal justice system. While some argue that overwhelming caseloads and court dockets constitute a crisis, I contend that there is an even greater crisis at hand, which has far-reaching consequences on criminal justice performance and outcomes. At the core of this crisis lies the lack of sufficient time, expertise, and resources for making informed decisions. In this book, I propose a series of evidence-based reforms aimed at addressing this critical issue.

Firstly, we must rebalance our approach to incarceration. While it is essential to ensure the safety of our communities by incarcerating those who pose a significant danger or are violent habitual offenders, we must also recognize the need for alternative strategies to manage risk. For the majority of individuals involved in the criminal justice system, it is time to prioritize behavioral change and rehabilitation.

To achieve this, we must change the culture of the courthouse and reorient our thinking about crime and punishment. We need to focus on addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, such as poverty, mental health issues, and lack of education, rather than solely punishing individuals through incarceration. By providing comprehensive support and resources to those in need, we can help break the cycle of crime and promote positive change.

Furthermore, we must invest in the training and development of our judicial and law enforcement personnel. Our judges and prosecutors need to have the expertise and resources to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of the individuals they serve. This includes providing access to professional clinical experts who can accurately assess and advise regarding mitigating the circumstances that bring individuals into the courts.

In conclusion, the Crisis in the American Criminal Courts is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted response. By rebalancing our approach to incarceration, changing the culture of the courthouse, and investing in the training and development of our judicial and law enforcement personnel, we can work towards creating a more effective, fair, and cost-efficient criminal justice system. It is time to take action and address the root causes of crime to promote positive change and create a safer and more prosperous society for all.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538142165