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2013
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The State of Sentencing 2012: Developments in Policy and Practice
By Porter, Nicole D..
The Sentencing Project (Washington, DC).
“State lawmakers in at least 24 states adopted 41 criminal justice policies that in 2012 may contribute to downscaling prison populations and eliminating barriers to reentry while promoting effective approaches to public safety. This report provides an overview of recent policy reforms in the areas of sentencing, probation and parole, collateral consequences, and juvenile justice” (p. 1). Some of the sentencing changes involve relaxed mandatory minimums, the death penalty, sentence modification... Read More
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26 pages
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2013
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The Green Corrections Project: Action Plans and Lessons Learned
By Davidson, Stephanie.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
This report is a great description of the three-phase Green Corrections project, sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC). The following sections comprise this publication: overview of the project; “The Greening of Corrections: Creating a Sustainable System”—the publication and its dissemination; developing a community of practice and providing technical assistance to states; application process; Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington addressing a different technical assistance need... Read More
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6 pages
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2012
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Uncomfortable Places, Close Spaces: Female Correctional Workers' Sexual Interactions With Men and Boys in Custody
By Smith, Brenda V..
'This Article examines female-perpetrated sexual abuse in custodial settings and its place at the intersection of race, class, and gender in order to disentangle complex and overlapping narratives of abuse, sex, desire, and transgression. Ultimately, this Article confronts our discomfort with and reluctance to acknowledge the fact that women sexually abuse men and boys in custody, and it offers possible explanations for these behaviors' (p. 1690). The following sections are contained in this art... Read More
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56 pages
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2012
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The State of Sentencing 2011: Developments in Policy and Practice
By Porter, Nicole D..
The Sentencing Project (Washington, DC).
Individuals at the state legislative level should look at this report for ideas on how to reduce corrections costs while maintaining public safety. Topics discussed include: key criminal justice policy reforms and legislation passed in 2011; sentencing; probation and parole; collateral consequences; juvenile justice; and policy recommendations.... Read More
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26 p.
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2012
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Public Opinion on Sentencing and Corrections Policy in America
Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Center on the States. Public Safety Performance Project (Washington, DC).
Public Opinion Strategies (Alexandria, VA); Mellman Group (Washington, DC).
Thoughts regarding the state of corrections and sentencing in the United States are presented. Topics discussed include: key takeaways; underlying attitudes—there are too many people in prisons, with prisons often being unnecessary for non-violent crime; policy solutions—divert more non-violent offenders from prison, reduce prison time for non-offenders, require supervision in the community for all released offenders, and improve probation and parole supervision. The bottom line is that “Some of... Read More
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8 pages
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2012
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Time Served: The High Cost, Low Return of Longer Prison Terms
By Gelb, Adam; King, Ryan; Rose, Felicity.
Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Center on the States. Public Safety Performance Project (Washington, DC).
The intent of these resources is to “present a state-level portrait of how time served has changed during the past 20 years, how it has impacted prison populations and costs, and how policy makers can adjust it to generate a better public safety return on taxpayer dollars” (full report p. 2).
The full report explains how increased lengths of stay have had negative effects on state prisons. Sections following an executive summary include: introduction; length of stay in states; unpacking the num... Read More
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2012
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Fair Sentencing for Youth
Human Rights Watch. Fare Sentencing for Youth (New York, NY).
'Fair Sentencing for Youth is a growing, collaborative project powered by many groups and individuals. We believe youth deserve the chance to prove themselves.' Access points are: cases and bills; take action; supporters; changed life; the facts'the need for change, international consensus, the fiscal impact, adolescent development, and human rights law; about this organization; and Cares 4 Youth (California).... Read More
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2012
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Life Without Parole
Death Penalty Information Center (Washington, DC).
This website provides information regarding the sentencing of life without parole (LWOP). Data is provided for: states with and without parole; years that states adopted LWOP; LWOP news and developments (current year); and LWOP news and developments from 2003.... Read More
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2011
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Executing the Will of the Voters? A Roadmap to Mend or End the California Legislature's Multi-Billion-Dollar Death Penalty Debacle
By Alarcon, Arthur L.; Mitchell, Paula M..
'This Article uncovers the true costs of administering the death penalty in California by tracing how much taxpayers are spending for death penalty trials versus non'death penalty trials and for costs incurred due to the delay from the initial sentence of death to the execution. In addition, the Article examines how the voter initiative process has misled voters into agreeing to the wasteful expenditure of billions of dollars on a system that has been ineffective in carrying out punishment again... Read More
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184 pages
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2011
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Sentencing Reform: Amid Mass Incarcerations--Guarded Optimism
By Mauer, Marc.
“As we analyze the admittedly modest openings for reform regarding mass incarceration, we are presented with a classic case of whether the glass is half empty or half full.” The author presents the relevant facts in order for the reader to come to their own conclusion. This article is also a great read for legislators looking for strategies to address their own problems with incarceration growth. Sections discuss: the changing climate for criminal justice reform; current reform at the state leve... Read More
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10 pages
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2011
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Principles of Effective State Sentencing and Corrections Policy
By Lawrewnce, Alison; Lyons, Donna.
National Conference of State Legislatures. Sentencing and Corrections Work Group (Denver, CO).
Seven principles and related points regarding sentencing and corrections policymaking are presented. The intent of these principles “is to provide broad, balanced guidance to state lawmakers as they review and enact policies and make budgetary decisions that will affect community safety, management of criminal offenders, and allocation of corrections resources” (p. 1). The report also shows the principles at work in determining criminal sentences, managing offenders in the community, treating d... Read More
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51 pages
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2011
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E-Bulletin: Sentencing and Corrections Policy Updates
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) (Denver, CO).
“This newsletter provides periodic updates on state sentencing and corrections legislation and budgets; highlights innovative policies and programs; and connects you with reports and news of upcoming NCSL [National Conference of State Legislatures] events.” Access points include current and previous issues of the E-Bulletin and archive of articles.... Read More
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2011
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Federal Justice Statistics 2009 -- Statistical Tables
By Motivans, Mark.
U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (Washington, DC).
Information regarding criminal case processing from arrest and booking to sentencing and corrections for the federal justice system is presented. “These statistical tables present the number of suspects arrested and booked by the U.S. Marshals Service, suspects in matters investigated and prosecuted by U.S. attorneys, defendants adjudicated and sentenced in U.S. district court, and characteristics of federal prisoners and offenders under federal supervision” (p. 1). Tables are organized into thr... Read More
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62 pages
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2011
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State Sentencing and Corrections Legislation
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) (Denver, CO); Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Center on the States. Public Safety Performance Project (Washington, DC).
This database of significant sentencing and corrections legislation recently enacted by states can be searched by state, topic, keyword, year, or primary sponsor. Legislative topics include: budget and oversight; community supervision administration; community supervision programs; correctional facility administration; diversion and sentencing alternatives; inmate programs; reentry barriers and access to services; reentry oversight and organization; reentry programs and supervision; release and ... Read More
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2011
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The State of Sentencing 2010: Developments in Policy and Practice
By Porter, Nicole D..
The Sentencing Project (Washington, DC).
Individuals at the state legislative level should look at this report for ideas on how to reduce corrections costs while maintaining public safety. Topics discussed include: key criminal justice policy reforms and legislation passed in 2010; sentencing; probation and parole; drug policy; prison census count; collateral consequences; juvenile justice; and policy recommendations.... Read More
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22 p.
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2010
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Presentations from the BJS and JRSA Joint Seminar on Sentencing and Corrections in the States
Association of State Correctional Administrators, Inc. (Middletown, CT).
Copies of presentation overheads are provided for: “Reducing America’s Correctional Populations: A Strategic Plan” by James Austin; “An Assessment of the Development and Outcomes of Determinate Sentencing [in Florida]” by William D. Bales, Thomas G. Blomberg, Gerry G. Gaes, and Kerensa N. Pate; “Right-Sizing Corrections in New York” by Bert Useem; “Danger and Opportunity: Making Public Safety Job One in Pennsylvania’s Indeterminate Sentencing System” by Mark. H. Bergstrom and Joseph Sabino Misti... Read More
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78 pages
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2010
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The State of Sentencing 2009: Developments in Policy and Practice
By Porter, Nicole D..
The Sentencing Project (Washington, DC).
Individuals at the state legislative level should look at this report for ideas on how to reduce corrections costs while maintaining public safety. Topics discussed include: key criminal justice policy reforms and legislation passed in 2009; mandatory minimum sentences; other sentencing mandates; death penalty; oversight committee; parole; juveniles; sexual offense; ease of sanctions against ex-felons; and policy recommendations.... Read More
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23 p.
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2010
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Deterrence in Criminal Justice: Evaluating Certainty vs. Severity of Punishment
By Wright, Valerie.
The Sentencing Project (Washington, DC).
The issue of whether more severe punishment results in increased public safety is examined. This paper covers: the conceptualization of deterrence; certainty versus severity of punishment; the failure of more severe sentences to enhance public safety; and the economic costs of more severe sentences.... Read More
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10 pages
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2009
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Heinous, Atrocious, and Cruel: Apprendi, Interdeterminate Sentencing, and the Meaning of Punishment
By Bell, W. David.
The impact of indeterminate sentencing on the parole release process is discussed. Sections of this article include: abstract; introduction; unsuitable life sentences -- indeterminate sentences are sentences with discretionary parole release, California uses both determinate and indeterminate sentences, California's parole release process, and prisoners serve much longer sentences then their enumerated term of years; which body find which facts -- parole discretion and unsuitable life sentences... Read More
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80 p.
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2009
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No Exit: The Expanding Use of Life Sentences in America
By Nellis, Ashley; King, Ryan S..
The Sentencing Project (Washington, DC).
"This report challenges the supposition that all life sentences are necessary to keep the public safe, compared to a term of fewer years" (p. 3). Sections contained in this report are: introduction; growth in life sentences; individuals serving life sentences for crimes committed as juveniles; policies and practices that drive life sentences; the consequences of life sentences on society; and recommendations for reform.... Read More
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45 p.
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2009
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Cutting Corrections Costs: Earned Time Policies for State Prisoners
By Lawrence, Alison.
National Conference of State Legislatures. Criminal Justice Program (Denver, CO); Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew Center on the States. Public Safety Performance Project (Washington, DC).
The use of "earned time" to "reduce the costs of incarceration and help offenders succeed when they return to the community" is examined (p. 1) Topics discussed include: types of earned time -- most common are education participation and work; quantities of work time; public safety and cost savings; recent expansion of earned time policies; expanding earned time pays off in Washington; reducing recidivism in Kansas; and incentive credits in Pennsylvania.... Read More
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14 p.
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2009
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Significant State Sentencing and Corrections Legislation in 2009
National Conference of State Legislatures (Denver, CO).
This document is essential reading for those interested in legislation at the state level related to sentencing policy and options, community supervision, facility administration and programming, and release and transition.... Read More
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12 p.
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2009
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The Future of Sentencing in New York State: Recommendations for Reform
New York State Commission on Sentencing Reform (Albany, NY).
Strategies for simplifying New York State's sentencing process are explained. Eight parts follow an executive summary: criminal sentencing in New York State -- a historical overview; greater simplicity in sentencing; a measured approach to reforming New York's drug laws; using evidence-based practices to improve offender outcomes; expanding successful Department of Correctional Services' programs; crime victims and sentencing; planning for the future -- a permanent Sentencing Commission for New... Read More
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256 p.
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2009
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The State of Sentencing 2008: Developments in Policy and Practice
By King, Ryan S..
The Sentencing Project (Washington, DC).
Legislation at the state level impacting criminal justice policies and procedures is described. Laws are organized into the following areas: probation and parole policy; drug policy; racial disparity; sentencing; felony disenfranchisement; juvenile justice; higher education in prison; and policy recommendations.... Read More
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14 p.
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2007
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Evidence-Based Practice to Reduce Recidivism: Implications for State Judiciaries
By Warren, Roger K..
National Institute of Corrections. Community Corrections Division (Washington, DC).
Crime and Justice Institute (Boston, MA); National Institute of Corrections. Community Corrections Division (Washington, DC).
The reduction of recidivism by state judiciaries utilizing six principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) is explained. Seven sections follow an executive summary: introduction; current state sentencing policies and their consequences; drug courts -- the state judiciary's successful experiment with EBP; the principles of EBP; local sentencing and corrections policy reforms; state sentencing and corrections policy reforms; and conclusion. "[C]arefully targeted rehabilitation and treatment progr... Read More
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77 p.
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2000
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Sentencing Women Offenders: A Training Curriculum for Judges [Lesson Plans]
By Cicero, June H.; DeCostanzo, Elaine T..
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Association of Women Judges (Washington, DC); National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
Intervention effectiveness can be improved by understanding how women respond to sanctions. This 6-hour course addressed sentencing practices in relation to female offenders through the following modules: why focus on women offenders?; the judicial response to the woman offender; who women offenders are; what works, what is in place, and what do programs in the represented jurisdictions offer?; sanctioning the woman offender; what do we have and what do we need?; and wrap-up session and evaluati... Read More
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92 p.
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1997
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Community Corrections Approaching the 21st Century
By O'Leary, Vincent; Clear, Todd R..
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
This monograph, an update of a similar 1984 paper, describes the directions needed in corrections as we enter the 21st century. The focus is on community corrections, especially intermediate sanctions, electronic monitoring, and intensive supervision with drug testing. The authors define the principles of limited risk management and demonstrate how they may be arranged in correctional practice.... Read More
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60 p.
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1993
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The Intermediate Sanctions Handbook: Experiences and Tools for Policymakers
By McGarry, Peggy, ed.; Carter, Madeline M., ed..
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC); State Justice Institute (Alexandria, VA).
Center for Effective Public Policy (Washington, DC); National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
This handbook offers the collective expertise and experience of those who participated in the State Justice Institute and National Institute of Corrections' cosponsored training and technical assistance program, the Intermediate Sanctions Project. The handbook serves as a planning resource for the development of more effective systems of intermediate sanctions. Chapters containing exercises and discussion outlines address key steps in the intermediate sanctions process from getting started to ma... Read More
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155 p.
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1992
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Presentence Time Served Credits for Sentenced Offenders
By Scholes, Patricia.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Institute of Corrections Information Center (Boulder, CO); LIS, Inc. (Boulder, CO).
An informal survey of corrections personnel in six states found that, in five states, credit for presentence time served is awarded by the county where the prisoner was held, either through the county clerk to the prison or to the sentencing judge. In the sixth state, time is credited by statute. Contacts are provided for additional information.... Read More
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1 p.
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1988
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Program Guidelines
By Van Keulen, Crestienne.
National Institute of Corrections. Community Corrections Division (Washington, DC); U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance. Adjudication Technical Assistan.
Colorado Alternative Sentencing Programs (Colorado).
Guidelines for program administration are presented in seven different areas: program goals and objectives, sentencing guidelines, risk management and insurance, statistics, case management, worksite management, and interprogram transfers.... Read More
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43 p.
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1985
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Using Policy Simulation Analysis to Guide Correctional Reform: The Utah Experience
By Austin, James; Joe, Karen; Litsky, Paul.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC); Edna McConnell Clark Foundation (New York, NY).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
By analyzing current sentencing practices and dispositional guidelines for probation, prison, and parole caseloads and comparing these current practices with other well established correctional screening tools through statistical simulation analysis, this study intends to provide legislators with estimates of the impact of proposed policy modifications on sentencing, classification, and correctional population size.... Read More
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54 p.
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