Transforming Criminal Justice: An Evidence-Based Agenda for Reform

Transforming Criminal Justice is a comprehensive evidence-based roadmap for reforming the American criminal justice system, addressing thirteen significant issues and highlighting the system's weaknesses that cause harm.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

This significant volume brings together today's leading criminal justice scholars and practitioners to offer a comprehensive roadmap for those seeking to transform the American criminal justice system. Spanning thirteen critical issues in justice reform, this collection of essays delves into a range of topics, from a suspect's initial encounter with the police to gun violence, prosecutorial innovation, sentencing reform, eliminating bail, recidivism and re-entry, collateral consequences of crime, and the eradication of false convictions. A recurring theme throughout this volume is the recognition of the numerous weaknesses within the American criminal justice system, which perpetuate harm and necessitate increased accountability. Each chapter serves as a valuable educational tool, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges plaguing the criminal justice system, as well as potential solutions and the roles that various stakeholders should assume. While part scholarly research, part account of the justice system's workings and shortcomings, and part agenda for action, Transforming Criminal Justice ultimately aims to educate and inspire readers to drive meaningful change.

Introduction:
The American criminal justice system faces numerous challenges that require urgent attention and reform. From excessive incarceration rates to racial disparities in sentencing, the system has been criticized for its failure to uphold the principles of justice and serve the interests of all citizens. This volume aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for those seeking to transform the American criminal justice system and create a more equitable and effective system of justice.

Chapter 1: The First Encounter with the Police:
The first encounter with the police is a critical moment in the criminal justice system, and it sets the tone for the rest of the process. In this chapter, scholars and practitioners explore the issues surrounding police encounters, including racial profiling, excessive use of force, and the lack of transparency and accountability. They argue that reforms are needed to improve the training and oversight of police officers, increase transparency in police practices, and ensure that individuals are treated with respect and dignity during encounters with the police.

Chapter 2: Gun Violence:
Gun violence is a pressing issue in the United States, and it has a significant impact on the criminal justice system. In this chapter, scholars and practitioners examine the causes justice system's response to gun violence, including the prevalence of gun violence, the factors that contribute to it, and the policies and practices that can be implemented to reduce it. They argue that reforms are needed to strengthen gun control laws, improve access to mental health services, and invest in community-based programs that address the root causes of gun violence.

Chapter 3: Prosecutorial Innovation:
Prosecutorial innovation is an important tool for reforming the criminal justice system, and it involves the use of new strategies and approaches to address crime and promote justice. In this chapter, scholars and practitioners explore the role of prosecutors in the criminal justice system, including their discretion. They argue that reforms are needed to improve the training and oversight of prosecutors, increase transparency in the prosecution process, and ensure that individuals are treated fairly and consistently throughout the criminal justice system.

Chapter 4: Sentencing Reform:
Sentencing reform is a critical issue in the criminal justice system, as it has a significant impact on individuals' lives and communities. In this chapter, scholars and practitioners explore the issues surrounding sentencing reform, including the disparities in sentencing outcomes, the role of race and socioeconomic status in sentencing, and the need for alternatives to incarceration. They argue that reforms are needed to reduce the severity of sentences, promote rehabilitation and re-entry, and ensure that individuals are treated fairly and consistently throughout the criminal justice system.

Chapter 5: Eliminating Bail:
Bail is a controversial issue in the criminal justice system, as it can perpetuate cycles and exacerbate racial disparities in sentencing. In this chapter, scholars and practitioners explore the issues surrounding bail, including the role of bail in perpetuating cycles and exacerbating racial disparities in sentencing. They argue that reforms are needed to eliminate the use of bail, promote pretrial release, and ensure that individuals are treated fairly and consistently throughout the criminal justice system.

Chapter 6: Recidivism and Re-entry:
Recidivism and re-entry are critical issues in the criminal justice system, as they have a significant impact on individuals' lives and communities. In this chapter, scholars and practitioners explore the issues surrounding recidivism and re-entry, including the factors that contribute to recidivism, the policies and practices that can be implemented to reduce it, and the role of education and job training in promoting re-entry. They argue that reforms are needed to improve access to education and job training programs, reduce recidivism rates, and ensure that individuals are treated fairly and consistently throughout the criminal justice system.

Chapter 7: Collateral Consequences of Crime:
Collateral consequences of crime are a significant issue in the criminal justice system, as they can have long-term impacts on individuals' lives and communities. In this chapter, scholars and practitioners explore the issues surrounding collateral consequences of crime, including the impact of criminal records on employment, housing, and voting rights. They argue that reforms are needed to eliminate collateral consequences of crime, promote rehabilitation and re-entry, and ensure that individuals are treated fairly and consistently throughout the criminal justice system.

Chapter 8: Eliminating False Convictions:
False convictions are a significant issue in the criminal justice system, as they can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. In this chapter, scholars and practitioners explore the issues surrounding false convictions, including the factors that contribute to false convictions, the policies and practices that can be implemented to reduce them, and the role of DNA evidence and other technology in promoting justice. They argue that reforms are needed to improve the use of DNA evidence and other technology in the criminal justice system, increase transparency in the prosecution process, and ensure that individuals are treated fairly and consistently throughout the criminal justice system.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume provides a comprehensive roadmap for those seeking to transform the American criminal justice system and create a more equitable and effective system of justice. The issues addressed in this volume are critical to the well-being of individuals and communities, and they require a collaborative effort from scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community members to address. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this volume, we can work towards a criminal justice system that is fair, just, and effective in promoting public safety and protecting the rights of all citizens.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479818815