Save States Money While Improving the Criminal Justice System
The American Bar Association and its Criminal Justice Section understand the current need for state governments to focus on fiscal savings and have developed a set of proposed criminal justice policy reforms that will save states money improve the criminal justice system and help keep the public safe. We are proud to offer these policies for state consideration at this critical juncture.
These five policies can form a single coherent package but are also separable so that a particular state can select the policies that fit its needs and interests. Over the years, state spending on criminal justice has significantly increased and prisons have become overcrowded and over budget. The current financial crisis has everyone searching for ways to save, and implementing these criminal justice reforms can promote systemic efficiency while ensuring the safety of the community and successful reentry of the formerly incarcerated. With the enactment of effective legislation, a state can successfully reduce the costs of criminal justice and decrease the risk of flight from subsequent court appearances as well as the recidivism rates.
To promote effective policy reform, the American Bar Association has assembled five key issues where reform will not only keep communities safe, but will also reduce state spending. The five policy areas are:
- Pre-Trial Release Reform
- Decriminalization of Minor Offenses
- Effective Reentry Programs
- Increased Use of Parole and Probation
- Community Corrections Programs
Under each policy area the ABA packet includes an introduction and overview of the issue, policy standards or guidelines and sample or draft legislation. Also for states where relevant statutes have already been passed we identify any studies demonstrating fiscal savings and success rates.
Proper implementation of policy reform in these areas will both increase judicial efficacy and save a significant amount of money. The costs associated with incarcerating an individual are exorbitant compared to the costs associated with properly supervising individuals, supporting reentry, and reducing recidivism to keep the public safe. The information provided in the ABA’s policy reform packets will identify clear examples of effective reform that save money and improve the system of justice. We hope that you find this packet of information helpful and encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments at 202-662-1518 or Sarina.Cox@americanbar.org.
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STATE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT TASK FORCE |
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CHAIR |
Charles J. Hynes |
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Members |
Shima Baradaran |
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Rich Cassidy |
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Michael Costello |
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Brett Dignam |
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Mark Earley |
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Roger Fairfax |
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Ken Goldsmith |
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Bruce Green |
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Jack Hanna |
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Mat Heck |
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Hillel Hoffman |
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David Isaak |
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Robert Johnson |
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Janet Levine |
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Jorge Montes |
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Tim Murray |
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Bruce Nicholson |
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Wilmer “Buddy” Parker |
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Stephen Saltzburg |
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William Shepherd |
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Christopher Slobogin |
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Anne Swern |
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Andrew Taslitz |
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MARYLAND WORKING GROUP |
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MEMBERS |
Erek Barron |
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Marlene Beckman |
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Joseph I. Cassilly |
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Paul DeWolfe |
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Lauren-Brooke (L.B.) Eisen |
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Matthew Esworthy |
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Maureen Essex |
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Michael Hough |
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Roger Fairfax |
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Sidney Butcher |
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Stephen Saltzburg |
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Tim Murray |
