Criminal Justice Reform

The book methodically progresses from an historical overview of criminal justice since the 1970s through detailed examinations of key issues like mandatory minimum sentences and three-strikes laws. By combining quantitative data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics with qualitative research from legal scholars and criminologists, it builds a compelling case that current practices often perpetuate rather than prevent criminal behavior. The analysis is particularly noteworthy for its integration of international perspectives, examining successful reform models from countries like Norway and Portugal.

What sets this work apart is its practical approach to reform, offering concrete solutions backed by empirical evidence rather than theoretical frameworks alone. The book explores emerging strategies such as risk assessment tools and restorative justice practices, while carefully evaluating their effectiveness. For practitioners and policymakers, it provides detailed implementation guidelines complete with cost-benefit analyses, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand or advance meaningful changes in America's criminal justice system.