Women in the Criminal Justice System

The series documents the gender implications of changes that have occurred over the last 20 years within the criminal justice system, including expansive law enforcement, stiffer drug sentencing laws and re-entry barriers. The briefing sheets delve into family, socioeconomic and physical and mental health issues that women -- and their families -- face as a result of being incarcerated. Women in the Criminal Justice System contains five sections: Overview; Involvement in Crime; Mothers in Prison; Inadequacies in Prison Services; and Barriers to Reentering the Community

Comment on Using Criminal Punishment to Serve Both Victim and Social Needs

Haley comments on the argument underlying the article by Erin Ann O\u27Hara and Maria Mayo Robbins, which emphasizes on victim-offender mediation (VOM). By expanding the frame of reference, restorative justice can be defined as a paradigm whose scope encompasses more than VOM and whose emphasis includes the needs of society and offenders as well as victims. Restorative justice involves a wide variety of processes and programs that are more apt to restore both those who commit and those who suffer wrongs. It includes children at risk programs, drug courts, violence-treatment programs, as well as VOM programs. It also includes efforts to assist former convicts returning to the community to engage in constructive lifestyles and sustainable roles in families, workplaces, and neighborhoods

One in 31: The Long Reach of American Corrections

Analyzes the surge in the correctional population, including offenders on probation and parole, and in state corrections costs. Calls for more investment in promising practices in community corrections to reduce recidivism. Includes case studies

Uneven Justice: State Rates of Incarceration by Race and Ethnicity

Examines racial and ethnic disparities by state, and finds substantial variation in the degree of black-to-white incarceration. The report finds that African Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites and Latinos at nearly double the rate. Five states, located in the Northeast and Midwest, incarcerate blacks at more than ten times the rate of whites. Recommended reforms include: addressing disparities through changes in drug policy, mandatory sentencing laws, reconsideration of "race neutral" policies, and changes in resource allocation

Prison Count 2010: State Population Declines for the First Time in 38 Years

Analyzes trends in state and federal prison population, state variations, policies behind the trends, and factors that may affect future trends, including advances in technology and risk assessments, public support for alternatives, and budget pressure

The Pennsylvania Community Corrections Story

The sentencing of Philadelphia rap artist Meek Mill to imprisonment for probation violations committed a decade after his original offense has focused attention on probation and parole practices nationally and in Pennsylvania (NBC News 2017; Jay-Z 2017). Unfortunately, Pennsylvania serves as a good example of how high rates of probation and parole can go hand-in-hand with, and contribute to, high incarceration rates. Pennsylvania has the highest incarceration rate in the Northeast, coupled with the third highest percentage of its citizens on probation and parole in the country. According to the Council of State Governments Justice Center (2017). Pennsylvania’s incarceration rate increased by 16% from 2005 to 2014, compared to New York’s and New Jersey’s which have declined by 18% and 24%, respectively. While one out of every 53 adults is supervised by probation and parole nationally, in Pennsylvania, one out of every 34 adults is under community supervision, a rate 36% higher than the national average (Kaeble and Bonczar 2016). Only Georgia and Idaho have higher rates of community supervision than Pennsylvania

Criminal Justice in the 21st Century: Allegheny County Courts and Probation

Criminal Justice in the 21st Century: Allegheny County Courts and Probation examines the structure, responsibilities, successes, and opportunities within Allegheny County's courts and probation department. The report highlights initiatives and innovations implemented by the Fifth Judicial District’s Criminal Division and key local data indicators. It also identifies current challenges within the county’s court and probation system and potential national best practices to address these challenges